Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has pointed to his efforts in blooding young talent into the first team as a defining aspect of his impact during his time as a head coach at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mngqithi's long relationship with Masandawana, which began in 2014 and concluded with his departure last December, saw him occupy various coaching roles.
He highlighted that one of his priorities during his stints as head coach was to provide opportunities for promising youngsters to gain experience at the highest level.
The focus on youth integration had been a notable missing element from the club's previous practices.
MNGQITHI ON INTEGRATION OF YOUNGSTERS AT SUNDOWNS
“I think this year, at Sundowns, I managed to bring up some youngsters that I felt needed such opportunities, and I am impressed with how they have grown from that time until now,” Mngqithi told iDiski Times.
“But, now I am in an environment where almost every player is looking to get himself better than what he was, and it is very encouraging.”
‘I WANTED TO BE AWAY FROM EVERYTHING’
Meanwhile, following his departure from Sundowns, he explained that he needed a break in order to bounce back stronger in his next project.
“Initially, I had honestly wanted time off because I felt it was important to give myself enough break given that for the past 11 to 12 years I never had a break. Sundowns was very intense, and I felt if I could get at least two months of rest, I’d be okay.
“In fact, I even moved away from Jo’burg; I even moved away from my house in Durban and went straight to the village because I just wanted to be away from everything, and I think that really brought the right energy back to want to help.
“And at a time when I was already targeting to make a move, with a few options outside the country, then Sisi [sister] came knocking. And when Sis’ Mato [Madlala] asks for me, she knows I always give Golden Arrows that fair chance.”
