Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes there’s one crucial mistake Kaizer Chiefs’ mentor, Nasreddine Nabi, should avoid as he navigates the challenges of rebuilding Amakhosi.
Mngqithi pointed out the potential pitfall that could hinder Nabi’s progress following Sundowns’ emphatic 4-0 win against Chiefs in a Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final clash at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday night.
The Tshwane giants advanced to the semi-finals via a brace from Iqraam Rayners, alongside goals by Peter Shalulile and Khuliso Mudau.
Despite the decisive victory, Mngqithi could not hide his disappointment with Sundowns’ overall performance, as he believed they should have scored more goals.
Instead, Mngqithi turned his attention to the youngsters at Chiefs, showering them with praise for their talent. He mentioned the likes of Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, and Mfundo Vilakazi, all of whom he sees as “exceptionally gifted players”.
“I don’t want to sound bad, but I think the youngsters that Kaizer Chiefs has brought into their first team are very good young boys,” said Mngqithi.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI EXPRESSES ADMIRATION FOR CHIEFS’ YOUNGSTERS
“Shabalala is a big factor in the game, and he also had some very good moments today [Saturday]. Duba played exceptionally well. I believe this is the feeling I have when I look at these boys. Vilakazi, when he’s given a chance, they are all very good football players.”
However, the Sundowns man also delivered a crucial warning to coach Nabi and Chiefs regarding the risks of placing too much responsibility on their young players too soon.
Concerned about the pressures of donning the heavy Chiefs jersey, Mngqithi acknowledged that although these rising stars have showcased impressive moments of brilliance, the weight of expectation could stunt their development.
“The biggest mistake that you can make with players like those [youngsters] is to put the load of a team as big as Kaizer Chiefs on their shoulders,” added the veteran coach.
“But honestly speaking, I think those are exceptionally gifted players; I would love to have them on my team, as well. I don’t want to lie to you.
“…Maybe the people we target. We don’t target youngsters; we target mostly senior players because we know some of the shortcomings they [young players] would have. But these youngsters, I don’t want to lie to you; they are all very impressive.”
MNGQITHI IMPRESSED BY CHIEFS COACH NABI
Mngqithi continued: “I know the coach is probably forced to play the youngsters because they are the best players that they have at the moment. It’s just that my fear is if the load and the pressure is on their shoulders, it might probably break some of them down.
“But I’m still very impressed with how the coach [Nasreddine Nabi] and the team has really played these boys because I think they are very influential. In almost all the good results that Chiefs got, a youngster was involved.”
Shabalala, 20, has been a standout performer for Chiefs this season, netting three goals and providing two assists in just six games. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Vilakazi has also impressed, contributing a goal in five appearances.
In addition, the duo has been directly involved in five of Chiefs’ eight goals scored in the opening five games of the Betway Premiership.
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