Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has dismissed criticism directed at his coaching decisions, stating that he is unaffected by negative and rubbish opinions.

The former Golden Arrows coach has faced scrutiny since taking over the reins at Sundowns during the offseason, where he replaced Rulani Mokwena who too faced scrutiny in every decision he made

Mngqithi’s decision to leave out key players Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena from the starting lineup against SuperSport United where they won 2-0 at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday sparked debate among fans.

However, the coach remains confident in his abilities and unfazed by external pressures.

“One, I’m helped by the fact that I’m not on social media. So, I don’t hear all the rubbish that people would say,” said Mngqithi. 

“That helps, because sometimes you will be emotional from just maybe the pictures that people send and put into their story and talk rubbish and say ‘Eish, why is he saying this?’ 

“Because I’m not on social media, I survive. But also, I am big boy.”

The coach emphasized his experience and self-belief. “I have been in football for more than 20 years now, and I know what is expected of me and I know sometimes I will not be able to keep the job for long, and maybe if circumstances don’t allow me and I don’t do well, I know what is most likely to happen and that is the most important thing in life. 

“In life, it is important to accept that you will face the realities and the good thing is that I have a very high self-esteem, I’m very confident. In my ability, I’m very confident and I know what I’m capable of. 

“So, it’s not what an opinionated says that defines me because other people can’t even manage their own lives but they have big opinions about what you are competent on. 

“So, if you listen to everybody you end up losing your mind. For me, it is always important to trust my gut feeling, to trust my competence, to trust my abilities as a human being, and know that sometimes I can do so well but maybe luck might not be on my side and circumstances may not favor me.”

The coach concluded by emphasizing his commitment to fairness and professionalism. “But one thing I’m good at, I am a very good human being, I don’t keep grudges,” he added.

“When you are ready to perform and give the team what it needs, I will always embrace you because I must be a big boy, I must be the father to these kids.  

“These kids are looking up their leader to make sure that he’s also fair to them. 

“Just like in any other family, they will be good moments and bad moments, they will be punishments, they will be rewards, they will be successes, they will be failures – it’s a story of life.”