Sundowns is too big for Manqoba Mngqithi, says Junior Khanye
Speaking after Mamelodi Sundowns’ 1-0 defeat, Junior Khanye questioned Manqoba Mngqithi’s tactics and style of play.
Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has criticised Manqoba Mngqithi following Mamelodi Sundowns’ 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch on Wednesday evening.
Coming into the MTN8 semi-final first leg at the Lucas Moripe stadium, Downs were favourites given their home-ground advantage. Fawaaz Basadien scored Stellies’ winner in the 62nd minute but the away side could have won by at least two goals. Steve Barker created several chances but poor finishing let them down.
After the game, Khanye gave credit to Stellenbosch but criticised Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
“Manqoba Mngqithi must take the blame. You can’t change the way these players play. This team has been playing their brand of football for many years, and they won so many trophies as they have an identity,” he said on iDiskiTV.
Manqoba Mngqithi loses first game as Sundowns coach
“Tonight, Sundowns played as if they didn’t have any midfielders. They started the ball from the back and played it past the midfielder to the forwards. This is not the team’s strength and you can’t make Mishishi(Themba Zwane) your impact player, he is too slow. Yes, Mshishi knows football, he is a star but for him to come from the bench and win you a game, it’s not easy, especially given the speed Stellenbosch were playing,” Khanye added.
The former Chiefs star says Manqoba Mngqithi must take the full blame for Sundowns’ defeat.
“Sundowns deserved to lose today and the coach must take the blame,” Khanye said.
“He can’t be the head coach for Sundowns, the team is too big for him. He is going to have a problem trying to coach this team.
“From the two games I’ve watched this season, I can see that the team’s identity has changed. This is not the same Sundowns that used to be built from the back and not bypass the midfield.”
Manqoba Mngqithi will hope to turn things around when Sundowns travel to the Cape to play Stellies in the second leg this weekend. Khanye however believes the team has what it takes to defend their league title but predicts Mngqithi to be gone from the club soon
“I don’t think he’s gonna last but Downs will win the league because of the players they have.”