Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi says he’s surprised by the reaction from various individuals regarding his team's disappointing beginning to the season.
Mngqithi has faced significant criticism not only from Sundowns supporters but also from football enthusiasts across the nation, particularly those concerned about the reliance of Bafana Bafana on players from the Tshwane club.
Mngqithi signed a four-year contract with Masandawana in July, taking over from Rulani Mokwena who left the club upon their return from the off-season.
Under Mngqithi, Bafana Ba Style have had a challenging start, managing to secure a narrow 1-0 victory against Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarterfinals.
They were then eliminated from the competition by Stellenbosch FC who beat them 2-0 on aggregate score.
Mngqithi believes that many have hastily formed judgments without having witnessed the full potential of Sundowns under his tutelage.
MNGITHI SURPRISED BY REACTION TO HIS POOR START
“Yes, I am surprised. I am surprised because I don’t think a lot of people in this country know what I’m capable of,”Mngqithi told iDiski Times.
“But you must also respect people’s opinions and not always think that you are right because you might be wrong.”
MNGQITHI MAKES ADMISSION ABOUT HIS APPROACH
Mngqithi admitted that the change in the team's style of play will pose challenges for the players in terms of quick adaptation. Nevertheless, he is optimistic that these changes will yield positive results over time.
“Yeah it is not going to be that easy. I know but I’m also very confident that we are trying to do the right thing because in order to win matches you must create as many chances and that’s what we are trying to do,” he added.
“Maybe we have to work a little bit harder on our rest defence but that doesn’t mean we should change anything from what we have been doing.
“I think there are a whole lot of positive things, except maybe not terminating the attacks the right way or maybe scoring the goals from the chances that we are creating.”
