Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Matthew Booth has shared his thoughts on the club’s prospects for the 2024/25 season under the new technical team led by Manqoba Mngqithi.
The Tshwane giants, looking to defend their league title now known as the Betway Premiership, have undergone changes ahead of the new season.
Following the shock departure of head coach Rulani Mokwena to Wydad Casablanca most recently, Sundowns have restructured their technical team.
Steve Komphela, who previously had a stint at Sundowns, has returned to the club after leaving Golden Arrows. He will join forces with the new head coach, Mngqithi. Romain Folz, formerly of Marumo Gallants, has also been added to the coaching staff.
In terms of player transfers, Sundowns have been active in the market. They have strengthened their attacking options with the signings of Iqraam Rayners, Kobamelo Kodisang, and Arthur de Oliviera Sales. Defensively, the Brazilians have bolstered their ranks with Kegan Johannes and Asekho Tiwani.
BOOTH PREDICTS SUCCESS FOR SUNDOWNS
The retired Sundowns and Bafana Bafana centre-back is confident that the new technical team can deliver the club’s most wanted trophy: the CAF Champions League.
However, Booth believes that it’s unfair for coaches to be given a mandate to win any silverware despite Sundowns having all the resources to compete on the domestic and international front.
Sundowns have only won the Champions League once, in 2016, under Pitso Mosimane. Last season, they were eliminated by Tunisian giants Esperance in the semi-finals.
“I think Manqoba, Steve and the rest of the technical team can take over and carry in with the success,” Booth told FARPost.
“Certainly, they can do it but I think it’s unfair to give the coaches the mandate to win the [CAF] Champions League, putting unnecessary pressure under them. The Champions League or any cup in that matter in the knockout stages you cannot blame a coach for getting knocked out, that’s just so unfortunate if.
“They have been there, so the players will feel comfortable working with the coaches in charge. There are personable coaches that players can relate with, and that’s very important in any team. They will be successful.”
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