Mngqithi ridicules suggestions he is too comfortable at Downs

Manqoba Mngqithi did not mince his words when it comes to addressing suggestions that he’s playing it safe or hiding in the shadows as Rulani Mokwena’s assistant at Mamelodi Sundowns.

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A few years back, Mngqithi had the opportunity to step into the head coach role when Pitso Mosimane left the Chloorkop side. 

However, instead of taking the top spot, he chose to become co-coach alongside Mokwena.

Last season, there was a shift in the hierarchy, with Mokwena taking over as the sole head coach and Steve Komphela stepping in as the second assistant coach after Mngqithi’s demotion. However, Komphela has since moved on to become the head coach at Moroka Swallows, leaving Mngqithi still in Mokwena’s shadow.

“Your question is loaded… But all I can say is first, we are living in a world where there is freedom of expression and everyone has the right to say what they want.

“Because of luck, we are also conveniently placed in positions where we purposefully forget what we like to forget and remember what we like to remember,” said Mngqithi on Thursday.

‘Think whatever you want’, says Mngqithi

“If you remember very well, I was one of the youngest coaches in the league and only one team at that time in KZN (in the DStv Premiership), it was Golden Arrows.

“All the clubs were coached by more experienced coaches who thought they were better than me then, but they were relegated.

“But I was able to hold Golden Arrows right through until I left the club. 

“So, when I’m in this stage of my career people think I’m scared to leave, I’m in the comfort zone and all that… It is fine for someone to think what they think.

“When you are a coach and you want to be successful as a coach, it is important to have a thick skin. 

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“Because if you listen to what everybody else says about you, you might go off the rails.”