Romain Folz’s former player, Mahlatse Makudubela, has echoed Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi’s sentiments on the Frenchman.
Sundowns recently appointed Romain Folz as their new assistant coach, a move that has been met with approval from both Mngqithi and Makudubela, who played under Folzat Marumo Gallants.
This marks Folz’s third stint in South Africa, following previous roles at Gallants and AmaZulu. The UEFA Pro holder returns after a period as a Performance Manager in FIFA’s Technical Group under Arsene Wenger.
Mngqithi, who holds the most senior position in the Sundowns technical team, has previously expressed his positive impression of Folz during the 2022/23 season, praising his commitment to playing attractive football even under pressure.
“When I see other teams bringing in coaches trying to play and play, it feels very good,” Mngqithi said previously, addressing the issue of foreign coaches.
“I must be honest there was a coach [Romain Folz] that was employed by Marumo Gallants. Honestly, I thought he was bringing something to South African football.”
“I watched that team very closely, and I was very impressed with what he was doing, and when coaches bring the right type of game, the right specimen of the South African game because we’re all thinking we all deserve to win, in football, you must accept that sometimes you don’t win not because you have not played well but the game of football will always favour others.
“And we’re not saying we don’t want foreign coaches to come and improve our game, good foreign coaches, when they come and impact positively towards [our game] we appreciate.”
MAHLATSE MAKUDUBELA’S SENTIMENTS ECHO MNGQITHI’S
This sentiment was echoed by Makudubela, who was impressed by Folz’s innovative approach and ability to get the best out of South African players.
“It’s encouraging to see other teams bringing in coaches who prioritise an attractive, attacking style of play,” the man nicknamed ‘Skudu’ told FARPost.
“I was particularly impressed by the work of Romain Folz at Marumo Gallants during our short spell together. He was introducing something fresh and exciting to South African football.”
“I followed his work closely at AmaZulu and I kept in contact with him because I felt I could still learn more from him as a coach and as an individual.
“I was truly impressed with his approach to the game. Coaches like him, who understand and embrace the unique qualities of South African players, are invaluable to our game. I spoke to players who worked with him at AmaZulu and they all said the same about him. I’m sure Mamelodi Sundowns will benefit from his expertise.”
“The fact that when he left here, he went to work with Arsene Wenger in FIFA’s High-Performance department must tell you how highly regarded he is.”
Folz’s previous tenures in South Africa were not without their challenges, with both stints ending prematurely due to various reasons. However, his time at FIFA where he worked on the development of football underscore his expertise and potential. Makudubela, like Mngqithi, believes he brings something unique to South African football.
His return to the country as part of Sundowns’ coaching staff presents a fresh opportunity for him to demonstrate his abilities and contribute to the club’s success.
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