Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has given his verdict on two of his new signings who spent the pre-season with the team in Austria.
Sundowns have concluded incoming transfers of four players in preparation for the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
They signed Kobamelo Kodisang, Arthur de Oliveira Sales, Asekho Tiwani and Kegan Johannes.
While Tiwani and Johannes were not part of the overseas tour, Sales and Kodisang travelled with the team and featured in their friendly matches.
Following the team’s return from pre-season, Mngqithi has shared his thoughts on their performances and how they could improve the team as they look to retain the league title.
He highlighted the performance of Brazilian forward Sales, noting that while his conditioning isn’t yet at the team’s level, his clinical play shows great promise.
“…I was also impressed with Sales coming in the match because we wanted to see what he can give us,” Mngqithi told the club’s media. “His condition is not yet at our level in terms of our intensity. But the work that he is putting in … he’s very clinical.
“We believe we are going to get a lot from him. But I must also say I was impressed by Kodi [Kodisang] at right wing, I think he was very influential. He was unlucky not to score.”
WHO ELSE IMPRESSED MANQOBA MNGQITHI
He further expressed his satisfaction with the performance of young players and new additions to the team following a recent match. Kutlwano Letlhaku and Ntando Nkosi both started the match against Saudi Arabia giants Al Hilal.
Mngqithi was particularly impressed with the youngsters’ ability to handle pressure in a high-stakes game.
“It was good for me to see these youngsters against these big opponents… I wanted to see them under pressure, though I knew they would play for 30 minutes,” Mngqithi said.
Mngqithi also praised goalkeeper Sanele Tshabalala‘s build-up play. He believes the team could have scored more goals but was pleased with the two they did secure.
“The finish by Lucas Ribeiro was out of this world,” Mngqithi exclaimed. He also commended Peter Shalulile’s performance, noting his strength and ability to stay onside.
The veteran mentor highlighted strong performances from several other players, including Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena, and Aubrey Modiba, stating that their performances show the team is getting stronger.
Reflecting on the team’s recent matches, Mngqithi acknowledged the initial slow start due to heavy travel and fatigue. However, he emphasised the team’s progress, particularly in their application and conditioning.
“The work of the coaches is coming in, and the work of conditioning department is also there,” Mngqithi said.
He concluded by expressing his confidence in the team’s development and readiness for the upcoming season.
“We are going home with a very strong belief that the team is getting together,” he said. “I think we’re almost there.”
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