Eager for Eight: Coach Manqoba Targets Eighth League Triumph and More

EAGER FOR EIGHT

COACH MANQOBA TARGETS EIGHTH LEAGUE TRIUMPH AND MORE

Author: John Aliu

For the past seven seasons, Mamelodi Sundowns have redefined what it means to be Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions, breaking numerous records and setting new benchmarks for excellence in South African football.

As the teams head into the 2024/2025 campaign, the Brazilians have one clear goal: to win multiple trophies, including securing an unprecedented eighth consecutive league title. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi expressed his excitement at being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the charge for this historic achievement.

“It is a great privilege to be tasked with such an important challenge. It is an exciting responsibility and I am confident that with the determination and talent within the team, we can rise to the occasion once again,” Mngqithi said.

Coach Manqoba also spoke about the dynamism of the technical team, which includes Coaches Steve Komphela, Wendell Robinson, Romain Folz and Kennedy Mweene.

“They bring a lot of valuable experience to our setup. Coach Steve is hugely experienced and offers a wealth of knowledge that helps guide our strategies. His insights have been critical in shaping our game plans. Coach Romain brings youthful energy and fresh ideas. With his long history as an analyst, he has developed effective training methodologies that keep our sessions dynamic and engaging. His personality aligns perfectly with the culture we are building here, fostering a collaborative environment.”

Regarding Coach Wendell, Mngqithi noted, “I have worked with Coach Wendell for a long time; he is a sound goalkeeper coach. He has taken on additional responsibilities in team preparation and set pieces, both offensively and defensively. He has a keen eye for detail and together we complement each other well.”

Mngqithi also acknowledged the potential of Kennedy Mweene, saying, “We also have Kennedy Mweene, who is not only an exceptional goalkeeper but also has a bright future as a coach. His experience and understanding of the game make him a great asset to our technical team.”

Having spent 12 seasons with the Yellow Nation, Coach Manqoba reflected on the culture of success at Mamelodi Sundowns. “When you are at Mamelodi Sundowns, winning is a constant expectation. Every season, we aim to celebrate both domestic and continental titles. We do not compete in competitions for fun; we compete to win. We train hard, prepare thoroughly and enter every match to secure victory. The commitment to excellence is what sets us apart and drives us forward.”

The Bafana Ba Style coach also spoke about his plans to manage highly rated youngsters such as Malibongwe Khoza, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Ntando Nkosi and Siyabonga Mabena, who have shown great promise. The management of this talent is done in collaboration with everyone in the Academy in constant contact with the Head of Transition – David Notane and under the leadership of Sporting Director, Flemming Berg.

“Managing young talent is always a delicate task. Our goal as coaches is to create a nurturing environment where these young players can flourish. They have unique strengths and areas for improvement that we are keen to develop. By closely monitoring their progress, we can tailor our training approaches to suit their individual needs, ensuring that they receive the right support at the right time.”

On the subject of fixtures and derbies that the coach looks forward to the most, he expressed, “Each season brings its exciting fixtures and at Mamelodi Sundowns, we look forward to every game. However, matches we are expected to win can sometimes be the most difficult. I pay close attention to these games because they require both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Players may not feel the same urgency to win since they are perceived as easier opponents. Unlike big matches, where motivation is high, these games pose a unique challenge that demands careful management of expectations and players’ mental resilience.”

On the team’s objectives for the ongoing season, Coach Mngqithi states, “The focus is on winning more matches than losing. Winning as many games as possible brings us closer to greater achievements. One of our primary goals is to win the league for an eighth consecutive time, but we also have our sights set on the CAF Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. These tournaments present a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our talent on a larger stage and compete against some of the best teams in the world. We are committed to building a squad that not only excels domestically but also makes a significant impact internationally.”

The Sundowns coach also shared his thoughts on the outcomes of the group stage draws for this season’s CAF Champions League. Banyana Ba Style have been placed in Group B, alongside Moroccan sides Raja Casablanca and ASFAR Club, as well as DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union.

“We are pleased with the draw when you look at it closely. Maniema Union is a relatively new team, but we have faced them before in the playoffs back in 2021. Since then, they have been improving steadily. They gave us a tough challenge three years ago, despite us winning over two legs. Both Moroccan teams are well-organized and can be difficult to break down, especially when playing at home. This is why preparation will be key for us. Every group is tough in this competition, but to be the best, you have to compete against the best and get past them.”

The Masandawana tactician further praised the Mamelodi Sundowns management for their continuous support.

“The Club has supported me for the past 12 years and they understand the love, passion and dedication I have for this team. I am committed to repaying their faith by guiding the team to success. Our collective ambition is to not only win titles but to foster a culture of excellence that inspires future generations of players and supporters alike.”

The Sundowns coach concluded with a message for the Yellow Nation supporters, saying, “I foresee a beautiful season ahead, where we aim to achieve even more than what people expect from us. I truly appreciate the energy surrounding our supporters; it plays a vital role in our success. We thrive when we have that 12th player cheering us on, firing our passion and determination on the pitch. Let us make this season one to remember!”

Johan Neeskens: Honoring the Legacy of a Football Icon

Sundowns Ladies Discover Their Opponents in the CAF Women’s Champions League

Cultivating Champions: The Transition Approach at Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns Marks World Charity Day in Kwa-Mhlanga

Coach Jerry Tshabalala Shares Valuable Takeaways from Women’s Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine

Categories

Social Footprints