How Does It Feel to Beat Former Club, Sundowns? Mngqithi Answers

Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi didn’t get carried away after beating the team that fired him but it does make the win even sweeter. 

His Abafana Bes’thende side delivered a major upset, a 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at King Zwelithini Stadium, handing the giants their first defeat of the season.

The win couldn’t have been more perfectly timed. Mngqithi, the man who was replaced by Miguel Cardoso at Chloorkop, spoiled his successor’s 50th match in charge. 

Mngqithi himself was shown the door back in December 2024 following some disappointing results, including a shock loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final.

Despite all that, he was nothing but respectful after the final whistle. He had only good things to say about his former home and even defended the defending champions' less-than-perfect start to the new season. 

This win was a huge statement from Mngqithi, but he proved he’s all class, choosing to celebrate his team's hard work over any personal satisfaction.

‘THIS TEAM HAS DONE SO MUCH’

“As for beating Sundowns, I wouldn't be looking at it as my former team, and it'd feel bad if I was to gloat about beating Sundowns because this team has done so much for me and my family,” said Mngqithi.

“I will always be grateful to this team. I never have feelings of thinking I am better or whatnot because I know this is a very powerful team.

“I hear people saying this season is going to be something different. In my opinion, I think this team is still very strong… It's just a matter of time [before they are untouchable again].

“You must remember they didn't have a proper pre-season and we're still capitalising on that.

“In the first 10 matches, you can expect them not to be at their best, and also the fact that they were at the Club World Cup took its toll. The adaptation from the Club World Cup alone should at least take close to a month for players to adapt well.

“I don't think they are where they are supposed to be, and when I look at the recruitments they made, I also still feel they've done very well.”