Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has made a bold statement about his Polokwane City FC counterpart Phuti Mohafe, following the Tshwane giants’ recent defeat at the hands of the Limpopo side.
PLK City head coach Mohafe was the mastermind Sundowns’ downfall as his troops edged past the Brazilians in a Betway Premiership encounter in Polokwane on Saturday. A late goal from Bulelani Nikani sealed the deal for the determined home side.
In their first meeting of the 2024/25 season in the MTN8 quarter-finals, Mohafe’s Polokwane City held their own against Sundownse, forcing the game into extra time. Mngqithi’s men ultimately secured a victory through a fortunate own goal.
Following the 1-0 defeat at the hands of PLK City, Mngqithi, known for his astute analysis of the game, has acknowledged Mohafe’s tactical acumen and the impressive performance of his team.
Mohafe has been in charge of PLK City since the departure of Lehlohonolo Seema last season. Mngqithi has tipped Mohafe to become one of the best in the country.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI SHARES ADMIRATION FOR POLOKWANE CITY FC COACH PHUTI MOHAFE
“I have known this boy [Mohafe] for more than 10 years now,” said Mngqithi. “You can ask, I told him, you will become one of the best coaches in this country.
“The first time I saw him, we were playing a pre-season friendly, and I was listening to him when he was talking to his team on the bench. I heard that this boy pays attention to detail, and he has a lot to give to South African football.”
“From that time, our relationship has always been good. He is one boy…I am very optimistic that he will make it. He understands the game, he loves the game, and he’s got attention to detail.”
The Sundowns coach added: “Honestly speaking, if you look at this team, I don’t know who recruits players for Polokwane City, but if you look at this team and their recruitment, you will see they really have a lot of good players. They must be given credit.
“I was speaking to someone else the other day, far away from this match, and I said one of the teams that has recruited very well is Polokwane City.
“I do think they are a team that will be a big threat. You will always be concerned as to how far they will go. But I knew that they would be a threat because the team they have is strong and the coach they have is good. I respect him a lot, and we are very close.”
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