Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi says he is well aware that his future will be under scrutiny following their shock defeat to Magesi in the Carling Knockout final. 

Sundowns lost 2-1 to upstarts Magesi at Toyota Stadium, where they appeared to be in control of the game in the first half and they made their dominance felt by scoring through Iqraam Rayners, as Magesi’s defense was sliced open at will by Lucas Ribeiro Costa 

As they failed to use the chances they were creating, it was clear that the game was hanging, offering a window for Magesi to score. As that window was open, Clinton Larsen’s side scored twice through Tshepo Kakora and Delano Abrahams to completely take the way away and win their maiden trophy. 

Sundowns have now lost three final games in a row, having lost last season the MTN 8 and Nedbank Cup to Orlando Pirates under Rulani Mokwena. 

Following Sundowns’ loss, Mngqithi revealed that their jobs as coaches are always at risk, but he is confident that he is still on the right path.

“In football, you can expect anything and if you choose to become a coach you must expect that in this space our jobs are always under scrutiny every week,” Mngqithi said. 

 “So, we have to deliver and it’s unlike the CEO of the company who has to come at the end of the financial year. But with us football coaches, it’s always going to be where are we going, are we going towards the right direction or the wrong direction? But I’m still very optimistic that we are going in the right direction.” This was the Sundowns’ first loss since losing to Stellenbosch FC in the MTN semi-finals. 

The former Golden Arrows coach is still left with four titles to fight for – Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, Caf Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup. Sundowns, looking at the investment at the club during the off-season, Mngqithi knows that winning two trophies will be enough.   

Even that too cannot be enough. Mokwena won the league title and African Football League last season but the club still decided to part ways with him. Mngqithi’s side will be playing against the Congolese club AS Maniema Union on Tuesday in the first game of the group stages in the CAF Champions League. Maniema is yet to lose an official game as they are unbeaten in 20 games since March this year.