Kaizer Chiefs’ stance on Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who is out of contract in June, has been revealed.
Mngqithi, widely respected for his tactical acumen, is considered one of the top coaches in the DStv Premiership. His success as part of Sundowns’ dominant coaching staff has made him a respectable figure.
Sundowns have reportedly made their intention to extend Mngqithi’s contract known, while Mngqithi is linked with the Chiefs job.
According to sources close to the 52-year-old coach, he craves a fresh opportunity to test his abilities, potentially with arch-rivals Chiefs.
Mngqithi’s current deal expires in June 2024. He boasts an impressive trophy cabinet during his time at Sundowns, having secured league titles under Pitso Mosimane, as co-coach with Rulani Mokwena, and most recently under Mokwena’s sole leadership.
This desire for a new chapter conveniently coincides with Chiefs’ ongoing search for a new head coach.
Amakhosi have been without a permanent coach since Molefi Ntseki’s departure. Interim coach Cavin Johnson will have to return to his head of academy position at the end of the season.
WHAT IS KAIZER CHIEFS’ STANCE ON MANQOBA MNGQITHI?
Alongside Mngqithi, Chiefs have a rich list of coaches they are considering. They include Pitso Mosimane, Spaniard Raul Caneda, Rui Vitoria of Portugal, Argentinian Miguel Gamondi, Congolese mentor Florent Ibenge, Frenchman Julien Chevalier and Alexandre Santos, currently coaching Angola’s Petro de Luanda.
Information reaching FARPost suggests Chiefs have opted against pursuing Mngqithi. The club apparently has reservations about Mngqithi’s fit within their current structure.
“While he is a well-respected coach, there’s a feeling that he may not be the best match for the club’s current requirements. It seems they’re considering other coaches who might be a closer fit for their vision,” an impeccable source said.
Amakhosi’s last trophy came in 2015, leading to a period of frustration for the club and its supporters. The pressure is on to find a coach who can return the team to its former glory.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI: FROM LOWER LEAGUES TO GREATNESS
Mngqithi’s coaching journey began in the trenches, honing his skills with teams like Maritzburg City. After building a strong foundation, he moved on to Moja United and the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, steadily climbing the coaching ladder.
In 2007, a major turning point arrived when Mngqithi joined Golden Arrows. He led Abafana Bes’thende to a historic moment, securing their first major trophy – the MTN 8. Their dominant 6-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town in the final remains one of the biggest upsets in South African Cup history.
After a successful three-year stint with over 100 games under his belt, Mngqithi switched allegiances, taking the helm at AmaZulu. His time at Usuthu was brief, lasting 36 games, before a short-lived one-game tenure with Chippa United. A familiar homecoming awaited him as he returned to Arrows.
In 2014, Mngqithi made a move by joining Sundowns as an assistant to Mosimane. Fast forward 10 years, and his contributions have been instrumental in transforming Masandawana into an African powerhouse. He’s played a key role in securing over half a dozen trophies for the club.
Taking another step forward, Mngqithi and Mokwena were jointly handed the reins at Masandawana in October 2020, embarking on a new chapter as co-coaches.
Exactly two years later, Sundowns revamped its coaching staff, appointing Mokwena as sole head coach and demoting Mngqithi to senior coach. The club cited a string of underwhelming performances as the reason for the shake-up.
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