Manqoba Mngqithi to rip up Rulani Mokwena’s blueprint in bid for Champions League success

The Sundowns coach has declared his intentions to implement a different style at Chloorkop

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi intends to change Rhulani Mokwena’s philosophy in a bid to ensure the Brazilians are successful in the CAF Champions League.

Mokwena had put an emphasis on possession-based football where Sundowns denied their opponents the ball while building their attacks from the back but Mngqithi feels that style has not served them well in continental competitions, hence a need for a more pragmatic approach.

“We will be a little bit faster than what we were last season, that is very important to me,” Mngqithi told the club’s Pitchside Podcast on Monday.

“A lot of wing play with a lot of box entries, possession will still be there. In the PSL you can expect us to have a lot of possession but I am not too interested in that emphasis because that emphasis is detrimental to us in the Champions League.

Mngqithi will be judged by Champions League success

“In the Champions League, you are expected to attack opponents as much as they attack you and you are playing against people that do not respect you.”

Sundowns have dominated the PSL, winning the last seven titles in a row but they have just one Champions League crown, which was won in 2016, under former coach Pitso Mosimane.

The Brazilians have managed a semi-final appearance in the last two seasons, falling short to more pragmatic sides, as they stayed true to their philosophy which was one of the reasons they parted ways with Mokwena.

Mngqithi knows he will be judged by success in the Champions League and it is perhaps why he is willing to rip up the script in a bid to turn things around.