“I think I was helped more by that.”  

Those were the words of Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi after his side held the Betway Premiership champions-elect, Mamelodi Sundowns, to a draw at Mpumalanga Stadium on Wednesday.

Mngqithi, who was dismissed by Sundowns in December and replaced by Miguel Cardoso, was appointed by Abafana Bes’Thende on Monday.

He told the media after the game that he had only two training sessions to analyze Sundowns, but his intimate knowledge of the Sundowns players proved invaluable.

Before the game, Mngqithi, who spent over 10 years at Sundowns and won numerous trophies, shook hands with all the Sundowns players, as well as Cardoso and his assistant, Steve Komphela.

Mngqithi and Cardoso also spoke at length together after the game, engaging in a long, friendly conversation and embrace.

“I also played many games against Golden Arrows while I was still at Sundowns, and I was responsible for ensuring we were well-prepared in terms of organization, because I know most of these players,” said Mngqithi.

“But I was particularly impressed with the attitude and the mentality from the first training session.  

“I only had two sessions and the first session was mainly for the players that never really played. The second session was on Tuesday, where, after a lot of talks in terms of organisation and showing them videos of what to expect, I think they adapted very quickly in a new system because they have not been playing in a 4-3-3 formation. 

“And I was so impressed to see them adapting so quickly and really trying to stamp their authority in moments where Sundowns was struggling to deal with midfield overload. 

“But we did not capitalise on being little more incisive in trying to get into more dangerous positions when we were in possession. We only got good moments from transition.”

It nearly turned out to be a perfect first game in charge of Arrows for Mngqithi.

Arrows took the lead in the 31st minute when Sibonelo Cele delivered a precise free kick to the near post, which was expertly headed in by Keenan Phillips, stunning Sundowns.

Phillips then went from hero to villain when Aubrey Modiba’s cross struck his hand, resulting in a penalty.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa converted the penalty with an audacious Panenka, placing the ball right down the middle of the goal for an equalizer.