Manqoba Mngqithi Drops Bold Opinion on the State of South African Football Clubs
- Manqoba Mngqithi has aired his views concerning the future of South African football clubs after leading his team to victory in the Carling Knockout Cup
- The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach guided Lamontville Golden Arrows past Sekhukhune United in the cup competition
- The South African tactician's take on football clubs in Mzansi gathered several reactions from fans who follow the local league on social media
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Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has made a strong statement regarding the state of South African football clubs.
Source: Twitter
Speaking after his side's Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 victory over Sekhukhune United last week, Mngqithi did not hold back in his assessment.
Reflecting on Arrows' recent impressive run of form and fluid style of play, the South African manager praised his side's growing ability to play constructive, possession-based football — even if mistakes still creep in at times.
Mngqithi on the State of SA Football Clubs
Mngqithi lamented the tendency of many South African clubs to shy away from building play from the back, instead relying on long balls and second-ball situations, which limits their ability to play structured football.
The Golden Arrows coach, who was recently sacked by Mamelodi Sundowns and replaced by Miguel Cardoso after losing the Carling Knockout Cup final, explained that many South African teams avoid possession-based football. Instead, they prefer to kick the ball forward and rely on second balls and quick shots at goal.
He argued that this direct style prevents teams from building the stamina and structure needed to sustain quality football when the ball stays in play for longer periods.
Source: Getty Images
In contrast, Mngqithi said his side strives to play what they consider constructive football, even though they are not perfect and still make mistakes, such as losing possession cheaply at times.
However, he noted that their strong counter-pressing, speed, and fitness allow them to recover quickly. Because they often lose the ball from vertical passes, the team usually has enough players behind the ball to win it back effectively.
Here's what fans are saying about Mngqithi's submission on social media.
Bossruu said:
"It's not a guarantee. Wits won the Lig and Cups with skop and donner. Baxter won the lig twice. Liverpool down play possession football and won the lig against Arsenal possession football."
Nkunzibeyivimbisana wrote:
"Thts general African football. Thts y Pitso beat Ahly with 5 goals. They could not adjust to a team that played total possession football. Unfortunately tht team too has gone back to kick forward too."
Kamohelo_Moloii shared:
"I can't believe that Motsepe boy was so impatient and gave up so early on this man."
Sikhumbuzo reacted:
"There is no other truth greater than this one🙌🔥, Well stated. Even sundowns under cardoso is in shambles, Only buccaneers do it best lately, Riveiro did a wonderful job."
Barak Siera commented:
"Imagine how boring football was gonna be if all teams played the same. Postion based football is overrated. Give me rock & roll football were the aim is to score as many goals and as fast as possible. These patient bulid ups aren't for everyone. We need edge of the seat stuff."
Hlabas added:
"My FC Kaizer Chiefs hasn't recovered from this type of football since Mazinyo Middendraw's appointment in 2005. We were hoping that Nabi was going to change that but our plumbering management had their own ideas."
Cardoso reacts to Sundowns' loss to Gallants
Briefly News also reported that Miguel Cardoso reacted to Mamelodi Sundowns' defeat against Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup.
The former Esperance of Tunisia head coach also shared his thoughts on the club's new signing getting a red card on his debut in the match.
Source: Briefly News
