Former Golden Arrows midfielder Thanduyise Khuboni has opened up on what he hopes to see from his former coach and Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Manqoba Mngqithi in the near future.
Mngqithi and Khuboni’s time together at Arrows was a fruitful one, culminating in MTN8 glory in 2009 with a resounding 6-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town in the final.
The midfielder earned several call-ups to the Bafana Bafana squad, even representing South Africa in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
‘Gonondo’, as Khuboni is well-known, is hoping Mngqithi, soon, take up another challenge of being sole head coach like he’s done at Arrows, AmaZulu FC and Chippa United before.
Having witnessed what the 53-year-old coach can do at firsthand, Khuboni says Mngqithi has what it takes to cut it in any DStv Premiership.
KHUBONI – ‘IT DOESN’T MATTER WHETHER IT’S A BIG OR SMALL CLUB’
“I’ve always wished that coach Manqoba goes back into being a sole head coach,” said Khuboni.
“There’s a lot of time where teams like Kaizer Chiefs have struggled in finding a coach, even now teams are struggling with coaches.
“AmaZulu have also been in the same situation up until they appointed the current coaches.
“Coach Manqoba mentored us when we were young. We know his capabilities especially when it comes to young players and exposing the unknown players. I was brought to light by him.
“He was able to give me a chance believing that I can do certain things for him.
“So, sometimes, teams like Kaizer Chiefs need coaches like that. Someone who can turn things around, when a club’s boss says this but I come with what I believe in.
“I think that’s what missing in big teams like Kaizer Chiefs. You need a structure that can represent Kaizer Chiefs, not just anyone.
“Kaizer Chiefs isn’t a team that you can give just anyone. So, I wish when coach Manqoba feels he’s okay to do this [go back to being a head coach], when he has confidence, the one we know, I hope he can leave the comfort zone and be a head coach somewhere.
“I think, us [the players he coached], we deserve to see him being a head coach again in the PSL. I know he would do well, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a big or a small team.
“He’s a stubborn coach [in a positive way] but he always has a plan.”
RELATED STORY: Kagisho Dikgacoi on Mngqithi settling for assistant coach role at Sundowns
