Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained why he will always be “indebted” to Golden Arrows, whom his team will face in the Round of 16 of the 2024/25 Carling Knockout Cup.
The match between Masandawana and Abafana Bes’thende will take place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday, October 19, 2024, with kick-off at 6 PM.
Mngqithi’s first coaching job in the PSL was at Arrows from 2007 to 2010. He then left the club to join arch-rivals AmaZulu FC in July 2010, moved to Chippa United in July 2012, and returned to Arrows again in October 2012.
In 2013, Mngqithi became an assistant coach to Pitso Mosimane for the Bafana Ba Style team for a few years before Mosimane left Sundowns to join Al Ahly.
In 2020, Mngqithi was appointed as a co-coach of Sundowns, sharing the role with Rulani Mokwena. However, in October 2022, he was moved to a senior coaching position. Nevertheless, he was promoted to head coach in the current season following Mokwena’s dismissal, as Mokwena moved to Wydad Athletic in Morocco.
While at Sundowns, Mngqithi won numerous titles with the Chloorkop-based outfit, including the CAF Champions League and CAF Super Cup.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI GRATEFUL TO GOLDEN ARROWS
Mngqithi attributed his current success as a coach to Arrows, highlighting the significant role that KwaZulu-Natal played in his career.
“I will always be indebted to Arrows for making me the person I am today. Also, for the opportunity they gave me,” said Mngqithi during the Carling Knockout press conference on Thursday.
“The club provided me with a platform and has not only helped me. It has also nurtured unknown stars who went on to represent Bafana Bafana.
“The likes of Thanduyise Khuboni never played SAB, NFD football, or what we call DDC today. But went on to play for the national team.
“Look at Kagiso Dikgacoi, who came to us for trials and went on to play overseas. The club’s story is one to be told. They need to be recognised for their contribution to South African football.”
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