Manqoba's double-edged sword at Sundowns
Manqoba Mngqithi , head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns during the 2024 MTN8 semifinal second leg game between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 1 September 2024The reason why Mamelodi Sundowns have struggled under Manqoba Mngqithi has been exposed by tactical reasons behind possession football explained by former coach Rulani Mokwena.
Sundowns were synonymous with ball possession under Mokwena and the passing game is actually in their DNA, from the initial adoption of the 'Piano and Shoeshine', in the early years after the formation of the club. However, Mngqithi, after he replaced the former Orlando Pirates coach at The Brazilians, introduced a game model that relies on speed, directness and less time on the ball.
Although Masandawana created a number of chances in their first few games in the MTN8, after they were knocked out by Stellenbosch in semi-finals, what seems to have affected the rhythm of players and the body language, was a relationship they had with the ball. The current Wydad Casablanca coach, went as far as asking 1000 passes from Sundowns players last season and was not happy they could not reach it despite a 2-0 win over Chippa United last season.
Under Mngqithi, Sundowns were constantly caught on counter-attacks by Stellies in both the semi-finals they lost 1-0 after playing a high line and their defence looked vulnerable without the ball.Ahead of the start of the Betway Premiership, if Mngqithi was to be successful playing direct football, the danger also is that the supporters may still not be happy with the style of play, as matches could be on the edge.
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