‘We must accept decisions of those who pay our salaries’ – Manqoba Mngqithi
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has opened up about the unexpected turn of events that led to him taking the reins as head coach, stressing the need to respect the choices made by the club’s leadership.
Just before pre-season preparations started, Sundowns unexpectedly parted ways with Rulani Mokwena, leading to Mngqithi’s promotion to the head coach position.
Speaking on PowerFM Sport, Mngqithi revealed that while he was almost certain he would remain at Sundowns due to the club’s unwavering support, he never anticipated stepping into the top job.
Interestingly, there was speculation linking him to the Kaizer Chiefs job before the club ultimately appointed Nasreddine Nabi.
“I knew there was a 99% chance I’d still be at Sundowns,” the former Golden Arrows mentor shared, highlighting the club’s care for him and his family. “In life, sometimes you have to reciprocate. When people are good to you, you can’t be a monster and jump at any given opportunity.”
HEAD COACH ROLE WAS A SURPRISE FOR MANQOBA MNGQITHI
However, the 58-year-old mentor admitted the head coach role came as a shock. “The truth is, I never anticipated this,” he said, choosing not to divulge the specifics but describing it as a “biggest surprise and coincidence.”
The change happened close to the start of pre-season preparations, leaving everyone, including himself, in a state of uncertainty.
Despite the unexpected shift, Mngqithi emphasised the importance of respecting the club’s decisions. “In life, we must always move on and accept the decisions of those who pay our salaries…,” he stated. He stressed that decisions ultimately lie with the club’s owners and management, and it’s not the place of individuals to undermine their authority.
Mngqithi confirmed he was in the final stages of negotiating a new contract as an assistant coach when the situation changed abruptly. “I never got that call,” he said, referring to the expected confirmation of his assistant role. Instead, he was asked to step up as head coach, and he agreed.
“When the club says, can you do this for now… And I did it for then,” he explained, adding that he has now signed a new four-year contract with Sundowns.
His primary challenge will be leading Sundowns to victory in the CAF Champions League, a feat that has eluded the club since their sole triumph in 2016. Additionally, he’s tasked with securing an eighth consecutive league title.
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