Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Phelelani Mpangase has told Manqoba Mngqithi to leave the club following his shocking demotion.
Mpangase suspects sabotage and disrespect were behind the decision to demote the veteran coach.
He believes his experience would be valued elsewhere in exchange for happiness and freedom.
Masandawana shocked the country with their statement on Monday, announcing Rulani Mokwena as their new head coach.
CO-COACHING NOT WORKING
Mngqithi moved down the pecking order to become third in command behind Steve Komphela and Mokwena. The decision was taken after their 3-0 MTN8 loss to Orlando Pirates.
Mpangase believes the decision finally proves that co-coaching is not working and exposes many things within the camp.
“This is proof that co-coaching is not working. Mamelodi Sundowns should have just said coach Rulani is in charge; the other two are his assistants,” he told FARPost.
“This decision exposes that many things [politics] are happening at Sundowns. Big things are happening behind the scenes.
“Even the move to loan out Lyle Lakay and signing certain players exposes too many things.”
Mngqithi has been with Sundowns since 2014. Pitso Mosimane brought him in. They became a strong force that transformed Sundowns into one of Africa’s most prominent clubs alongside Mokwena.
CLUB’S BACKBONE
Mpangase is convinced Mngqithi is the club’s backbone and has achieved more than his other two colleagues.
“Coach Manqoba has done so well. He is known for his ability in all the teams he has worked for.
“If I were coach Manqoba, I would leave Sundowns. He has done so well, and many teams can gain a lot from him. I’m sure he has offers on the table even now.”
“As for coach Rulani, he has not done anything alone. He has never won anything. He failed dismally [at Pirates]. Even coach, Steve Komphela, has never won anything alone, which tells you that Manqoba was the backbone of this technical team.”
“Hence, I wish him to leave and join another club. He can succeed in any team that he can join. I feel he has been disrespected and sabotaged at Sundowns. The truth will come out, though.”
