Why Manqoba, Folz Were Sacked By Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns have explained that recent “unsatisfactory” results led to the decision to make changes to the club’s coaching staff.
The club shocked the football world by appointing former Esperance coach Miguel Cardoso to replace Manqoba Mngqithi. Additionally, assistant coach Wendell Robinson and newly-signed coach Romain Folz have also departed.
“The introduction of the new Coaching Technical Team was necessitated by the recent unsatisfactory results despite the commitment of the Sundowns Board to give Manqoba Mngqithi and his Technical Team an opportunity to lead the Club going into the future,” Sundowns said in a statement.
“Coach Miguel was the Head Coach of Espérance Sportive de Tunis and reached the finals of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League. He joins Sundowns with three of his assistants namely, Fabio Fernandes, Pedro Azevedo, and João Araújo.
“Coach Miguel, has coached in Portugal, Spain, France, Greece, and Ukraine at some of the biggest Clubs such as Porto, Braga, Deportivo La Coruna, Celta Vigo, AEK Athens, Nantes and Shaktar Donetsk.
“Coaches Steve Komphela and Kennedy Mweene, will remain as part of the Club’s new Technical Team.”
Mngqithi, who took over as head coach from Rulani Mokwena at the start of the season, had been a key member of the Sundowns coaching staff since 2014, serving as Pitso Mosimane’s assistant. During this time, he was instrumental in the club’s nine league titles.
“Mamelodi Sundowns is thankful to Manqoba Mngqithi and Wendell Robinson for their loyal services to the club over the years and wishes them everything of the best in their new endevours,” explained Sundowns statement.
“Manqoba Mngqithi and Wendell Robinson will forever remain part of the Mamelodi Sundowns Family. Mamelodi Sundowns is also thankful to Romain Folz who recently joined the club.
“The players will meet the recently appointed Coaches when they return to training on Wednesday.”
Cardoso’s first match in charge will be a crucial CAF Champions League home fixture against Raja Casablanca at Loftus Stadium on Sunday at 15:00.
