Golden Arrows FC head coach Mangqoba Mngqithi has weighed in on the impact of two of the biggest PSL clubs’ elimination from the Carling Knockout Cup.
Despite entering the competition as overwhelming favourites, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs both suffered stunning first-round exits from the Carling Knockout Cup.
However, both clubs suffered defeats in penalty shootouts. Chiefs lost to Stellenbosch FC, while Sundowns were stunned by Marumo Gallants. As a result, Orlando Pirates are now the sole representatives of the so-called ‘big three’ in the competition. The Buccaneers carry the ‘favourites’ tag alone going into the quarter-finals.
While some coaches see otherwise, Mngqithi insists that this does not affect how he measures his chances of winning the title with Arrows.
Contrary to popular opinion, the Arrows gaffer argues that the so-called ‘big teams’ were never the strongest contenders in the first place.
“I never look at cup competitions in that space because I always know cup competitions will always present surprises. Normally, the big teams do not do as good as you would expect in the cup competitions,” said Mghqithi.
He further explained by reflecting on how Pirates have also experienced failure despite dominating cup competitions in recent years.
“It’s Pirates probably in the last three years that really dominated that space. But even then, they have also been found wanting in some of the cup competitions,” he explained.
MNQITHI ON APPROACHING CUP MATCHES
Mngqithi is one of the most decorated coaches in the PSL. He led Arrows to the MTN8 title in 2009 and later added 10 more titles to his name as an assistant coach at Sundowns.
The 54-year-old mentor gave a guideline on how to approach cup games, emphasising strategy over the reputation of opponents.
“So, cup competitions, you must just focus on the game that you are facing, regardless of who you are playing. Be a little bit more meticulous in looking at what they do defensively and offensively. Then try to come up with solutions to deal with that,” he added.
The Abafana Bes’thende gaffer concluded by further stressing his view of big teams in cup competitions.
“But do not look at it as if it’s a big or a small team because cup competitions everywhere in the world are always a threat against the big teams.”
Mngqithi’s troop will take on TS Galaxy on Sunday in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, with kickoff set for 15:00.
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