Ex-Arrows, Pirates winger Manqana reveals MTN8 title talk with Mngqithi
Former Golden Arrows and Orlando Pirates winger Njabulo Manqana has revealed details of a conversation he had with Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi about this season’s MTN8 title.
The two had a chat at the MTN8 launch event, which took place last month at the SABC studios in Auckland Park.
Manqana and Mngqithi share a long-standing relationship, having previously collaborated at the KZN-based club Golden Arrows. Together, they played a pivotal role in Arrows’ historic MTN8 victory in 2009.
In that memorable final, Arrows delivered a commanding performance, trouncing Ajax Cape Town (now known as Cape Town Spurs) by a resounding 6-0 margin. Manqana was instrumental in the victory, contributing a brace to the team’s overwhelming success.
MANQANA OPENS UP ON MTN8 TITLE TALK WITH MNGQITHI
Manqana shared a special moment with Mngqithi as the duo recalled the 2009 triumph. Mngqithi is confident that he will clinch this season’s MTN8, but he’s aware of the tough opponents that are still in the competition.
Even at the pre-match press conference on Monday, Mngqithi confidently said he will be the first to win the R10 million prize money.
“He’s a good and confident coach; I asked him about his chances of winning the MTN8 this season,” Manqana told FARPost.
“He said, ‘It’s tough, but I’m going to win it because it reminds me of winning it with Golden Arrows in the 2009/10 season. I know everyone is eyeing it, the first competition of the season, but I’m more hungry for it’.
According to Manqana, the Sundowns coach added: “‘That’s the trophy that made many people know about me in SA. Winning it will make me relive that 2009 moment which is one of the greatest in my career. The teams eyeing the title are great also.'”
Masandawana will take on Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday, 28 August, in the first-leg of the semi-finals at Lucas Moripe Stadium. The game this evening will kick-off at 19:00.
The second-leg will then be played on Sunday, 1 September, at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
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