Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Pavol Safranko has revealed how the coaching styles of ex-Masandawana co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rulani Mokwena differ.
The Slovakian center-forward joined Masandawana at the beginning of the 2021/22 season under the joint leadership of Mngqithi and Mokwena.
While not a consistent starter, Safranko used to make a significant impact when introduced as a substitute, scoring nine goals in 28 appearances across all competitions.
Despite his short stint with the Brazilians in the PSL, Safranko observed enough to distinguish the coaching styles of the technical team members.
He described Manqoba Mngqithi as possessing a profound understanding of the game, emphasising his ability to identify and leverage the strengths of each player.
On the other hand, Safranko highlighted Rulani Mokwena’s unwavering passion for the game, praising his tactical acumen.
SAFRANKO COMPARES MNGQITHI & MOKWENA’S COACHING STYLES
“Coach Manqoba he really understood football and he really, really knew where, when to use, who, how to use [the players], when he needs to shout to the team, what he needs to do,” said Safranko during the interview with FARPost.
“Coach Rulani, you know, he was young, passionate, he was around all the time. He was, he was more for tactics, you know, for how to play, how to build up.
“He was, he was there and was teaching everybody and he wanted also players to improve.”
When asked about Steve Komphela who was a senior coach at the time, Safranko said: “Steve Komphela, he was, for me, not just for me. I think for most of the players, he was like a father, you know, he was there and he used to give us all advices.
“You didn’t see a lot of angry people because they managed this. They were these three people and they managed this.
“And Steve is an amazing human being and really, really, really top, top person. So, my expectations when I arrived, I didn’t set them so high, but when I arrived and I saw the reality, is that the standard is really high.”
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