Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has dismissed concerns about his ability to lead the team, emphasizing his experience and confidence.

The former assistant coach, who has been at Sundowns for 12 years, took over the reins after the departure of Rulani Mokwena during the off-season.

Despite a mixed start to the season, including an early exit from the MTN8 semi-final, Sundowns have regained their form with impressive victories – a 4-0 win over Mbabane Swallows in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League and a 2-0 over SuperSport United.

Mngqithi has made strategic decisions, such as resting key players Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena to manage their workload. While some have questioned his coaching style, Mngqithi remains confident in his abilities.

“To refresh your memory, I was once the youngest coach in the league,” said Mngqithi. 

“And I was coaching a team that was the only one in the province of KZN because there was no other PSL team at that time.  

“As the youngest coach, I had to pull through and I pulled through. After so many of doing that, I can’t be fazed by opinions, issues and all that.  

“I trust my ability. I trust people I work with; I trust players, I trust my leadership and I also trust the group that we understand what we are trying to do and we are clear into our minds that it is going to happen and Sundowns is a very big club to all of us. Not only me, even the president (Patrice Motsepe) himself always say Sundowns is bigger than him, that is the person who pays our bills. 

“So, who are we to think if I was to be out this club will not continue? It goes the same way to players, coaches and to everyone. This club will win with or without me, with or without any player because it is a big club.”

Mngqithi highlighted the support he receives from the club, emphasizing that Sundowns is an institution that values its employees. He stressed that the club’s success is not dependent on any one individual.

“It has two or three players per position, it has two or three coaches, it has so many things that will always make it invincible, it is a big club,” he added.

“It is an institution that one should be proud to work for, because it is institution that really, really embraces its employees and gives the support that is needed to everyone. 

“You cannot complain and leave Sundowns and say ‘No, they did not give me this, they did not give me that’. They give you everything you want as a coach and thus you are only expected to deliver. 

“So, if I could do with no resources, if I’m in an environment that has got so much resources, have got no excuse.”