Contrary to popular belief, Manqoba Mngqithi is not afraid of change or a new challenge, as the coach has stated that he is open to leaving Mamelodi Sundowns.
Many have urged the experienced PSL tactician to step out of his comfort zone at Sundowns and pursue a new challenge where he will be head coach.
However Mngqithi argued that he has nothing to prove to anyone as he has been in the game for decades with a proven track record. Mngqithi has been a loyal servant to Sundowns since 2014.
He joined the club as an assistant coach to Pitso Mosimane, alongside Rulani Mokwena, and remained in that role until 2020, when Mosimane left for Al Ahly.
He was then appointed co-coach with Mokwena, but last season, Mngqithi was demoted to senior coach, with Mokwena becoming the sole head coach.
MNGQITHI NOT AFRAID TO LEAVE SUNDOWNS IN SEARCH OF NEW CHALLENGE
Manqoba Mngqithi’s demotion from co-coach to senior coach in 2022 cast doubts on his future at Sundowns, but he has remained at the club for over a year.
Last season, there were reports that he would leave Sundowns to join Kaizer Chiefs, but Sundowns activated his one-year contract extension. “The first thing I can say, we are in a country where there’s a freedom of expression,” said Mngqithi.
“And, fortunately, we are also conveniently placed in positions where we can also forget what we can forget and recall what we can recall. “I remember very well I have been one of the youngest coaches in the league. And there was only one team in KZN, Golden Arrows.
“All clubs had coaches who were more experienced and who thought were better than me at the time but [some] were relegated. But I was able to hold Golden Arrows right through up until I left without any trap of relegation.
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“When I’m at this stage of my career and people think I’m afraid of leaving my comfort zone. It’s right for people to think what they think. When you’re a coach and you want to be successful as a coach. It’s important to have a very thick skin.
“Because if you listen to what everybody else says about you, you might go out of the race. Most of the time, maybe it’s advice to you as well, popular decisions are the wrong decisions.
He added: “When people say, ‘do this’, you must sit back a bit and look at what they want to achieve with that. Because, at times, what sounds so popular and interesting is so wrong.
Evaluating the motivations of others
“So, to me, as a human being, I use my brains, I don’t use my emotions. It’s one of the strengths I have as a human being, I’m not emotional.
“I look at everything and all angles and make my decision when the time is right. And when I make that decision, I will not be expecting people to clap hands because it will be my decision.”