EXCLUSIVE: Manqoba Mngqithi’s mandate as Sundowns head coach revealed

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Manqoba Mngqithi is set to take over as a head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, replacing Rulani Mokwena who parted ways with the club three weeks ago.

Mngqithi's agent, Mike Makaab, confirmed a week ago on Gagasi FM that his client would soon take charge.

“Manqoba was the Senior Coach assisting Rulani Mokwena,” he said on Extra Time on Gagasi FM.

“At this stage, Manqoba will take over as the Head Coach, and again it will be clarified over the weeks and months to come, and Steve Komphela returns as the Senior Coach.”

The two parties are understood to have reached a verbal agreement with the paper work set to be completed very soon.

WHAT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DEMAND FROM MANQOBA MNGQITHI

Afrik-Foot understands Sundowns' primary expectation for Mngqithi next season is winning the CAF Champions League trophy.

The high expectations stem from Mamelodi Sundowns' recent significant investment in signings.

Sundowns shattered their club transfer record this window by spending a hefty R64 million to acquire Brazilian forward Arthur de Oliveira Sales and bolster their attack. 

This eclipses their previous record of R51 million spent on Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende.

Sundowns have also spent undisclosed significant sums in the past to acquire players like Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Teboho Mokoena, Sipho Mbule, Tashreeq Matthews and Matias Esquivel.

Despite being consistently favoured to win the CAF Champions League in recent seasons, the Tshwane giants have fallen short several times, failing to progress beyond the semi-finals.

In the previous two seasons, they were knocked out in the semifinals by Wydad Casablanca (2022/23) and Esperence de Tunis (2023/24).

Sundowns are aiming for a strong comeback in the next CAF Champions League campaign. 

They boast a restructured technical team led by Manqoba Mngqithi, a stalwart at the club since 2014. The team is further bolstered by the return of Steve Komphela as Senior Coach and the appointment of Romain Folz as assistant coach.

Avatar photo

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.