Manqoba Mngqithi set for ‘unique position’ at Sundowns amidst Mokwena exit
Revered agent Mike Makaab has confirmed that Manqoba Mngqithi is close to finalising a new deal with Mamelodi Sundowns, albeit in a unique position that is neither assistant nor head coach.
This development follows Rulani Mokwena’s unexpected departure from the club, which left Mngqithi in temporary charge of pre-season training. The club announced Mokwena’s departure earlier in the week, which came as a shock.
In addition, the Tshwane giants announced on Saturday morning the return of Steve Komphela, who joins the club as a Senior Coach. They stated that Komphela will “assist Manqoba Mngqithi and the Technical Team.”
Makaab, speaking on Extra Time on Gagasi FM, shed light on the evolving situation of Mngqithi at Sundowns.
WHAT MIKE MAKAAB SAID ABOUT MANQOBA MNGQITHI’S UNIQUE POSITION AT SUNDOWNS
“It’s a different position that I can’t discuss; it’s not an assistant, but not a head coach; it’s something pretty different but on the coaching side, which I think is unique in South African football but not unique to European football.”
This novel coaching structure, while unusual in South Africa, has precedents in European football.
It hints at a potential restructuring of Sundowns’ technical team, reflecting a broader trend in the global football landscape towards more diversified coaching roles.
Makaab emphasised that the negotiations with Sundowns were ongoing well before Mokwena’s departure and were not influenced by it. “I am confident that during the course of this week, we will finalise a deal for Manqoba,” he stated.
“The majority of the terms of the agreement have been agreed, and it obviously was difficult for us, probably more difficult for Mamelodi Sundowns, to bring it to finality because we didn’t know what was happening behind the scenes, and Mamelodi Sundowns obviously knew that these discussions were on-going with coach Rulani.”
With the dust settling on Mokwena’s exit, it seems likely that Mngqithi’s new contract will be finalised soon, putting an end to speculation about his future.
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