Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has made a bold CAF Champions League claim as he sets his sights on a trophy-laden 2024/25 season.

Mngqithi is now in charge at Chloorkop following the surprise departure of his predecessor, Rulani Mokwena, who joined Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club last month.

Speaking on the club’s Pitchside podcast with Teko Modise and Hlompho Kekana, the 53-year-old tactician expressed immense optimism about leading the Brazilians to a successful campaign.

“I’m a very bad loser by nature,” he said. 

“I always try to go into every match with a winning mentality, and if the mentality is to win every match, then the mentality is also to try to win every trophy that you are competing for.  

“You are also opening up yourself to say I have tried to win everything and how far did I go, but the truth of the matter is I do see us winning some trophies this season.”

Mngqithi acknowledges that Sundowns are expected to dominate domestic competitions but has placed a greater emphasis on winning the coveted CAF Champions League trophy, which has eluded the club since their 2016 triumph. They have reached the semifinals in the past two seasons but fell short on both occasions.

“It should be expected that we do well in the PSL, but my focus is not on the PSL,” he said.  

“You can’t be proud and make noise when you dominate the PSL because that’s the expectation, but more than that you have a responsibility to say can we win the Champions League?  

“Because for me that’s something we’ve been lacking and honestly speaking I think we will win it.”  

The reigning Betway Premiership champions for the past seven years will begin their season with an MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday (15:00).

Article by Trevor Magoro