Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has called for calm concerning his nervy start to the season, suffering a second consecutive loss to Stellenbosch and not finding a first goal of the season in the process.  

Having already contested in three encounters in the new season, Downs have yet to score a goal. Aided by extra-time Thabang Matuludi’s own to edge Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter finals, the Pretoria side continued to struggle in finding a single goal in the two-legged semi-final against Stellies.  

In dismissing panic around this uncharacteristic plight, the Downs gaffer expressed, “What I can say, South Africa is very interesting country, let me just start there,” said Mngqithi. 

“It’s because everybody else has got an opinion in anything. But it just does not start there. If you look at our country, sometimes the best information comes from the so-called illiterate people because in the villages you can see an old man who can advise you and he will give you the best advise that you can get.  

“The same country sometimes when we struggle with traffic; we are helped by the street kids. 

“…Sometimes we are helped by people who have failed in their lives because they come with very good opinions that help you and make you a better person. 

“And they have failed to have taken care of their own lives. If they talk probably about football, you would realise that something to learn. So, the uniqueness of the country makes you to accept that everyone has got an opinion and sometimes that opinion, regardless of where it comes from, it maybe the best opinion.  

“I don’t think there is a train smash at Sundowns, it’s only normal not to score.” 

The 56-year-old further explained that their statistical dominance on the field suggests the team’s situation is simply a matter of fortune in front of goal.  

“If you look at all the games we played, you look at possession, most of the numbers and metrics in the game they will tell you that these people are just a goal away from getting a result,” he explained.  

The former Golden Arrows oach further acknowledged the social media criticism from football fanatics, expressing his opinions he holds to some value.  

“Against Polokwane, we had 24 shots at goals, but we could not score, then a person out there with a mic or a cellphone has got an opinion, and that opinion I do not take for granted,” he said.  

Mngqithi further noted, “But sometimes when you are in a position of leadership, it’s also important to move away from the crowd and focus on what can make a difference in your team.”