Soccer Laduma has been informed that the Sokhela family, who are among consortiums bidding to purchase the status of Richards Bay FC, are so confident of success that they have already identified a coach to take charge of their possibly newly-acquired status.
This publication revealed three weeks ago that Richards Bay is up for sale to the highest bidder, and it has now emerged that the Sokhela family have their sights on Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Manqoba Mngqithi should they win the bid.
The Chloorkop-based side triggered the clause to retain Mngqithi on their technical team for an additional year last week as news also emerged that Kaizer Chiefs also wanted to lure the articulate gaffer to Naturena after failing to secure Nasreddine Nabi. Although Amakhosi ended up appointing Molefi Ntseki while relegating Arthur Zwane and Dillon Shepherd to deputise for him, the Siya crew has been informed that Mngqithi remains the Soweto giants' major target despite the current coaching changes.
Indications from sources are that the current managerial changes at Chiefs could be a temporary measure with the real long-term target being Mngqithi, although Mike Makaab, his manager, has poured cold water on such talk.
Makaab insists that Mngqithi will honour his contract with Sundowns, but the sudden departure of Steve Komphela from the Tshwane giants to join Swallows FC over the weekend was the clearest sign ever that nothing is permanent in football.
According to Siya sources, the Glamour Boys are hoping to talk to Mngqithi when his contract expires next year, but this publication has also been informed that should the Sokhela family be successful in obtaining the Richards Bay status, they will stop at nothing to secure the coach known for his calm demeanour on the bench.
Should Mngqithi make a move away from Sundowns? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
