Mngqithi fires back at Broos: ‘Nobody says anything when he plays eight defenders’

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has slammed Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for questioning his decision to sideline Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau.

Broos expressed his concern over the limited playing time of Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau at Sundowns in the new 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.

Broos made these remarks following South Africa’s two-match series against Congo Brazzaville in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. Despite their impressive performances for Bafana Bafana, Mokoena and Mudau have seen limited action at club level so far in this campaign.

In the 5-0 victory over Congo in Gqeberha, Mokoena scored a brace, while Mudau contributed to a solid defensive display in Bafana colours. Their contributions were instrumental in South Africa’s success in the recent FIFA international break.

Broos questioned the decision to sideline Mokoena and Mudau at Sundowns, suggesting that their qualities should warrant more playing time. He expressed his confusion over the situation, given their clear abilities.

MNGQITHI LAUNCHES ATTACK ON HUGO BROOS

Mngqithi has since launched a big attack on the national team coach, accusing him of overstepping his boundaries by questioning the Sundowns coach’s decisions.

“Broos is just talking; he must manage his house and allow me to manage my house. Nobody tells him who to play on his team, and I cannot be told who to play on my team,” Mngqithi said.

“The truth is we all know the quality of the players [Mokoenaand Mudau], and we don’t have a problem with them. We resolved the minor issues we had, but each man for his family.

“He must take care of his space; nobody says anything when he plays eight defenders; we keep quiet because I respect him as a coach. He has done well for the country, and everyone is excited that he brought a bronze medal [AFCON]. So he must understand that we have a responsibility to manage our own squads just like he’s managing his own squad.

“The best thing that could ever happen is for him to call me so we can talk about our situations. I never said, why do you select that player? And I don’t expect another coach to do that with me.”

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