Golden Arrows FC head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has provided a breakdown of how he outmanoeuvred Mamelodi Sundowns, highlighting his former employer’s key weaknesses.
The KZN side handed Sundowns their first league defeat of the season at King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday. A single goal was all it took for Abafana Bes’thende to secure a crucial three points.
They are led by Mngqithi, who parted ways with Sundowns just a year ago after a decade with the club, and returned to Arrows with a wealth of insider knowledge about the Tshwane giants.
The Arrows’ gaffer reflected on his insight into his former team, exposing their defensive vulnerabilities when put under pressure.
“Because most teams do not put Sundowns under pressure, it’s very difficult to see that Sundowns sometimes do not defend very well,” he said. “I know it, I was coaching this team. I know what happens in moments where they are under a lot of pressure…”
HOW MGQITHI OUTMARTED SUNDOWNS
Despite emerging victorious on Wednesday, Mngqithi has acknowledged that Sundowns remain lethal in their attack. He stressed that without the required discipline, his defence would have been easily split. However, the experienced tactician has attributed his victory to a masterful tactical plan, which involved speed and alertness.
“Again, they can always open you up easily. Even in this game, there were moments when they opened us up, but we recovered because my priority was to have a quicker team than they did,” the former AmaZulu FC coach explained. “This allowed us to recover even in moments when we were caught off guard, as we were generally slightly quicker. From the top, the midfield and the back four. All the players that were there, there was not even one that was slow.”
Despite their inconsistent form, Arrows have conquered their toughest challenge yet. The Durban-based side now sits in 11th position, having collected 10 points from eight matches.
MNGQITHI REVEALS WHY SUNDOWNS STRUGGLE IN AFRICA
Sundowns have enjoyed a decade of unprecedented success, not only asserting their dominance with eight consecutive league titles but also showcasing immense tactical superiority over most PSL clubs.
Despite their local dominance, Sundowns have struggled to replicate that success on the continental stage, securing only one CAF Champions League title. Now, former coach Mngqithi has explained why his former club continues to struggle in Africa while still dominating locally.
“In the Champions League, we are not used to getting the respect, but in the PSL everybody is sitting on a low block. The only way they come at you is on a counter-attack, then that makes the team very familiar with such conditions. But not very familiar with conditions where they are under stress,” revealed the tactician.
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