Ex-Chiefs attacker: ‘I critised Mngqithi before but now…’

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Former Kaizer Chiefs player Junior Khanye has admitted a change of heart regarding Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

Khanye was one of the pundits that made it clear that they were not foreseeing Mngqithi succeeding at Sundowns when he took over from Rulani Mokwena at the beginning of the season.

What made it worse is that the Tshwane giants had a poor start to the season, suffering a disappointing exit from MTN8 when they lost to Stellenbosch both in the first and second leg of the semifinal.

However, the team has since enjoyed a remarkable turnaround, winning all their matches in the CAF Champions League, Betway Premiership, and Carling Knockout Cup.

Khanye believes Mngqithi has improved the team from what it was last season under Mokwena, injecting the speed when they attack.

Ex-Chiefs attacker: 'I critised Mngqithi before but now...'
Bathusi Aubaas – Picture by Mamelodi Sundowns

JUNIOR KHANYE ON HOW MNGQITHI HAS IMPROVED SUNDOWNS

“I have to complement Manqoba Mngqithi,” said Khanye on iDiski TV.

“I have criticised him before. I was critical of Manqoba, but I think he has dealt with the players’ mind-set.

“There is speed up front at Sundowns now. Once Sundowns gets in your half there is quick movement, and they will finish you. 

“You hardly see these guys balloon the ball because they are clinical with passes and movement on the ball.

“Truly speaking I’m very pleased with how Sundowns is playing, they are playing with identity. 

“If you check the goals, they have scored maybe in the last 10 matches they scored the same way and the way they play I think it’s also determined by the players they have signed.”

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.