Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed why he prefers to chase and not lead in the title race, which should definitely catch the attention of current Betway Premiership leaders Orlando Pirates.
Sundowns are back within three points of the Buccaneers after registering a comfortable 3-0 victory over Cape Town City at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday, thanks to a brace from Peter Shalulile and a goal from influential Brazilian attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
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In their last two titles triumphs, Sundowns were comfortable leaders throughout the season, wrapping up the championship a number of weeks before the end of the season. Things could be different this season, with Pirates currently at the top and now Mngqithi coming out to reveal that he in fact enjoys the chase.
That should give supporters of the local game reason to believe that the title race could go to the wire this season, creating excitement that has been missed in recent campaigns.
"Personally, I prefer to chase, because you always have a target and we've always been that target for far too long. But when you are there, you must never slip up. So, I think it will be better to chase," Mngqithi said after their victory.
Mngqithi was delighted as Sundowns bounced back from the upset at Polokwane City on Sunday, where they lost 1-0 to Rise and Shine. During that match in Polokwane, Sundowns did not have a shot on target, but they were a more ruthless side against the Citizens, netting three times to give themselves a much needed boost before this weekend's Carling Knockout clash against Kaizer Chiefs, who had to come from two goals down on Wednesday evening to draw 2-2 with rookies Magesi FC.
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"Coming to the match (against Cape Town City), I think we started the game very well. (We had) good energy, good intensity, good ball speed and I think our build ups were spot on. We created good opportunities from most of those situations and it was pleasing to see the team giving a reaction like this because that's what we expected.
"In as much as we scored three, I think we could have scored more. When I look at the chances we got, I think we could have done even better. Nonetheless, one should appreciate the fact that from a defeat we managed to win against what I believe is one of the best teams in the league."
By Tshepang Mailwane
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