Coming on the back of a win in the CAF Champions League by a four goal margin, one would think that this would appease the Mamelodi Sundowns fans and make them start to believe that Manqoba is right on track to ensure they defend the Betway Premiership but this is not the case. Many are downplaying it as a routine win, as the opponents from Eswatini are no match for the Giants, Mamelodi Sundowns. It leaves one wondering are the Mamelodi Sundowns fans now intoxicated from Rhulani’s success that their dopamine levels were altered so bad that it can only take a highly potent substance to give them the same joy, what more can Manqoba do thus far to please the fans? Can a win tonight against Supersport United make the fans believe that Manqoba is the right man fit for the job?
Are we being fair on Manqoba?
Considering that during the MTN 8 tournament, he was missing the services of his 1st choice goalkeeper recently nominated as one of the top 10 goalkeepers in the world Ronwen Williams through injury and other players like Mvala, Lunga through injury as well, these were regulars of the backline that was being trusted in the previous campaign. Having also lost key defender Boutouil to Wydad, the backline was not as solid. There were new combinations to be tried in attack with new signing Arthur Sales being given minutes to acclimatize to South African football, since the team was also missing Thapelo Maseko due to injury and having new signing Rayners cup tied did not help either. Considering that Manqoba had to implement his own style of football that is different to the departed coach Rhulani who left for Wydad, it was inevitable that the team was to face some hiccups given these changes.
Does Manqoba Deserve The Top Job?
Having risen to prominence at Golden Arrows where he enjoyed success winning the MTN 8 in 2009, humiliating Ajax Cape Town 6-0 in the final. Many forget that he built a strong Golden Arrows team with the likes of the late Henyekanye brothers, Manqana, Khuboni, Sangweni, Siyanda Zwane who played an entertaining brand of football. However, others feel he is a man who has benefited from a case of serendipity that, he happened to be there when change was happening at Mamelodi Sundowns. He is not a coach that Mamelodi Sundowns would’ve hired as head coach considering that he has coached smaller teams such as Amazulu, Chippa without tangible success at these teams. He finds solace in basking in the glory of his single trophy as head coach with Golden Arrows the MTN 8 which other critics feel is a long distant memory and one achieved by being at the right place at the right time at Golden Arrows. He has however gained much experience learning from the very best in coach Pitso Mosimane, as he was his assistant coach and they enjoyed great success as well as the time as a joint coach with Rhulani.
Can Gavin Hunt Compound the Misery on Manqoba?
Given that Gavin Hunt is a serial league winner with Supersport United, and the other title with Bidvest Wits he would want to remind the football fraternity that he still has his mojo. Many feel that Gavin Hunt is yesterday’s man, who still wants to cling to his helicopter type of football yet football has evolved. He has been losing top talent every season as Supersport United has turned out to be a feeder team to Mamelodi Sundowns and the other teams, many wonder what could have been if Williams, Maswanganyi, Mokoena, Mbule, Maseko, Kekana, Rayners never left. Since it’s a derby the stakes are high every Supersport United player will want to come to the party as they know this could be an audition, an opportunity to show Mamelodi Sundowns management what they have to offer with the transfer window shutting down in 3 days.
For the neutrals this will be an interesting match, we should expect goals galore. Whether you’re a Sundowns supporter or a SuperSport fan, one thing is certain—when these two clubs meet, the sparks will fly, and the city of Pretoria will hold its breath.
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