Football agent Mike Makaab has revealed that Mamelodi Sundowns have reached an agreement in principle with his client, Manqoba Mngqithi, to become their new head coach.
The Brazilians are currently restructuring their technical team after making a shocking decision to part ways with Rulani Mokwena a few weeks ago.
Sundowns cut ties with Mokwena on ‘mutual consent’ despite the Soweto-born tactician having three years left on his existing contract at the club. He guided Sundowns to their seventh successive DStv Premiership title and also lifted the inaugural African Football League [AFL] trophy in October 2023.
Following the abrupt exit at Sundowns, Mokwena moved swiftly to join the Moroccan outfit Wydad Casablanca.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI POISED TO LEAD MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Sundowns are said to be finalising a contract for Mngqithi to take over as the club’s head coach. His agent, Mike Makaab, stated that the deal has been agreed in principle, and the paperwork should be signed next week.
This is a twist of events after Makaab announced a few weeks ago that Mngqithi was going to take over a ‘unique role at Sundowns that is neither assistant nor head coach.
“The deal for Manqoba Mngqithi to become Mamelodi Sundowns head coach has been concluded in principle. We are left with paperwork, which should be done this coming week.” Makaab told FARPost.
The experienced coach joined Sundowns back in 2013 from Golden Arrows as the assistant coach of the then-head coach Pitso Mosimane. Since his arrival, Mngqithi has won a handful of major trophies with the Tshwane giants, including the 2016 CAF Champions League.
The 53-year-old tactician will be assisted by Steve Komphela, who recently re-joined Sundowns as a senior coach. The club also roped in Romain Folz as the assistant coach.
Folz is familiar with SA football, having coached Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu FC in recent years. After leaving South Africa, the 32-year-old mentor was also on the books of Guinea giants Horoya AC, but he was fired two months after taking over the job.
Mngqithi has previously spoken highly of Folz, a young coach who arrived on the SA elite league scene with a refreshing, attacking approach. Unafraid to take risks, Folz quickly caught Mngqithi’s eye.
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