Experienced coach Manqoba Mngqithi has shed light on the circumstances surrounding his sudden departure from Mamelodi Sundowns, revealing how he learned of his dismissal.
Masandawana announced the departure of Mngqithi on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, due to an inconsistent start to the 2024/25 season. He was shown the exit door along with coach Wendell Robinson and Romain Folz.
The Brazilians have already lost out on two domestic trophies this season after suffering defeats in the 2024 MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup. Downs were eliminated from the two-legged semi-final of the top eight competition by Stellenbosch FC. In the Carling final at Toyota Stadium last month, Sundowns experienced a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Magesi FC.
Additionally, Sundowns have had a slow start in the CAF Champions League group stages, failing to secure maximum points against AS Maniema Union and AS FAR, respectively.
Following a string of unconvincing results in recent matches, Mngqithi was dismissed after taking over the managerial position at the start of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
The former Golden Arrows coach was given the responsibility of leading Sundowns after the departure of Rulani Mokwena during the off-season.
In an effort to return the club to winning ways, Sundowns have appointed Miguel Cardoso as Mngqithi’s replacement.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI BREAKS SILENCE ON HIS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS EXIT
Mngqithi stated that he was unaware of his imminent sacking until someone asked him via text if the news of his exit from Sundowns was true.
“I would be lying if I said I knew [that I was leaving the club]; I just got a message from someone when I was going into a meeting yesterday [Tuesday] with the leadership of the club,” Mngqithi said on MSW.
“Somebody hinted that there was going to be an announcement. Yesterday, fortunately, we were off, and we had to attend the meeting with the leadership. And that’s when the whole story came out, but fortunately, someone sent me a message and asked if it was true, and then I started to know what this meeting would be about.
“I cannot fault anyone for that because probably when I got the job, someone, somewhere, was still the coach, and the negotiations were going on behind. That’s the name of the game, that’s being proactive in ensuring there is no gap in between. I cannot now talk ill about them. It’s normal in football.”
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