There's one thing Manqoba Mngqithi has mastered that will get him through this phase of his coaching career, according to a player who has worked with him on two separate occasions.
Mngqithi has been axed at Mamelodi Sundowns, despite being top of the Betway Premiership table, and has been replaced by Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, who is expected to officially get the ball rolling at Chloorkop today after he was unveiled on Tuesday.
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Siyanda Zwane worked with Mngqithi at Arrows and together they won the 2009 edition of the MTN8. They reunited at Sundowns, winning arguably the biggest prize in the form of the CAF Champions League title in 2016, which was followed by the Super Cup in early 2017.
"I just feel bad for him because I know how much he loves that team, but he has the support of many people. One thing I know about him is that he has mastered emotional intelligence. Maybe he saw it coming and prepared his mind that something like this might happen. When you take that hot seat, anything can happen to anyone. He is a big guy and I am sure he will get a job soon because of who he is, what he has done and the quality of coach he is," Zwane said to the Siya crew.
"Moments like these feel like a funeral. He did not just lose a job, Sundowns is family to him. So, it's sad to see, but having said that, results are everything and if they are not forthcoming, then obviously things like this will happen. I thought he would still get a chance to prove himself, but maybe the result against Magesi in the Carling Knockout had a lot to do with this decision.
"He brought so much value during his time there. They won cups while he was there. Having worked with him, I know what type of person he is and I'd like to believe he gave everything. He works hard and he loves his work."
READ: Cardoso: I Want To Be Like Pitso, Rulani Komphela
Mngqithi has been linked with a return to Arrows, as reported by the Siya crew, with Mabhuti Khenyeza believed to have made an exit at the club.
By Tshepang Mailwane
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