‘It would be a failure’ – Mngqithi insists Sundowns must win Champions League

The tactician has reiterated that the Brazilians will be judged on continental success

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi admits the club will be judged on how they perform in the CAF Champions League and not any other competition.

Sundowns have been dominant in the PSL, winning the last seven straight titles, but success on the continent has proved elusive.

Since winning their first and only Champions League under Pitso Mosimane in 2016, the Brazilians have suffered several disappointing outings in the competition, including the last two seasons, when they were eliminated at the semi-final stage.

This is one of the reasons attributed to the departure of coach Rulani Mokwena and Mngqithi knows the standards have not changed.

What does Mngqithi consider success?

“It would be a failure if we do not achieve that [Champions League success] because that is what we have been trying to fight for. We have failed so many times,” Mngqithi told the media.

“Sometimes, failures are lessons and our lessons learnt, maybe we try to avoid it.”

Sundowns host Mbabane Swallows of eSwatini in the Champions League second preliminary round return leg on Saturday, carrying a 4-0 lead from the first leg.

The Brazilians look all but assured a place in the group stages where the competition will begin proper.