‘It’s not a train smash’ – Sundowns’ Mngqithi on SuperSport loss

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi says their loss against neighbours SuperSport in the DStv Premiership is not a train smash.

Sundowns suffered their second loss of the season to their Tshwane rivals SuperSport United on Friday.

The two sides faced off last week in the MTN8 quarter-finals, and Sundowns were 2-0 victors to book a spot in the semi-finals.

Going into Friday’s game, Sundowns were looking to leap-frog Orlando Pirates to reclaim the top spot in the league.

The Brazilians have had an inconsistent start to the DStv Premiership season after winning three games, drawing one and suffering two defeats.

“I don’t think there’s much that happened that should suggest that we are off the rail, so the title is going to be very, very difficult. It is always difficult to play SuperSport. It is always difficult to fight for the championship in South Africa. It looks like it’s easy in the end, it’s never easy.

“Who says we are entitled to win a game against SuperSport? Who says we are entitled to win a game against TS Galaxy or Sekhukhune?

“This is the same SuperSport that is still going to beat these other teams we are competing with. So that’s the interesting part of this marathon.

“If you keep your eyes on the prize and you take care of the process, you are not far away. In terms of our first cycle, we fell off in terms of the number of points. We got 10 points in five matches. We still have twelve points to fight for in this first cycle, so for me, it’s not a train smash,” the former Golden Arrows coach told the media.

The Chloorkop-based side will be looking to start collecting points as the title chase heats up.