Manqoba Mngqithi Applauds Two Mamelodi Sundowns Stars After Loss to Orlando Pirates
- South African tactician Manqoba Mngqithi has showered praises on two Mamelodi Sundowns players after the Carling Label Cup final this weekend in Durban
- The former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach was tasked with managing the Premier Soccer League All-Stars squad against Orlando Pirates
- The Golden Arrows coach shared his excitement to be working with the two Mamelodi Sundowns players months after leaving the Brazilians
Lamontville Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi expressed his delight at reconnecting with former players at Mamelodi Sundowns, Marcelo Allende and Arthur Sales, praising their impressive abilities.
Source: Getty Images
The trio previously teamed up for the Premier Soccer League All-Stars squad that faced the Carling Knockout Cup winners, Orlando Pirates, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 13 December 2025.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach was unable to retain the Carling Black Label Cup title for the All-Stars as the Soweto giants defeated them 2-0 courtesy of second-half goals from Sifiso Luthuli and Boitumelo Radiopane.
It was the third successive title the Sea Robbers have won this season after previously winning the Carling Knockout Cup and the MTN8 title.
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Mngqithi hails Allende and Sales
Although the fan-voted All-Stars lost to Orlando Pirates, Mngqithi expressed excitement about reconnecting with Allende and Sales. He described Allende as one of the best midfielders in the country, noting that his technical skills and tactical awareness set him apart, even though he rarely spends time on the ball.
Mngqithi added that Allende is always in the right position, and his past experience working with him confirmed how talented he is. Regarding Sales, Mngqithi said that although he doesn’t consider him a traditional striker, he is a very creative offensive player who generates numerous assists and consistently poses problems for the opposition. Mngqithi concluded that he was thrilled to see them again and reconnect, referring to both as “his boys.”
The Golden Arrows manager worked with both South American players during his time with the Brazilians before he was shown the exit after losing to Magesi FC in last season's Carling Knockout Cup final.
The South African tactician has gone on to do remarkable things with Golden Arrows, and he's aiming to lead them to a good finish this season with the ambition of playing continental football next season.
Allende and Sales, on the other hand, are doing well in the CAF Champions League this season, but the Brazilians are struggling to keep up with their form from last season in the league.
Source: Getty Images
The defending champions are currently second in the Betway Premiership table, with the Carling Black Label Cup champions, Pirates, sitting pretty at the top of the league standings with a game in hand.
Mngqithi slams ref after losing to Pirates
Briefly News earlier reported that Mngqithi lashed out at officials after his Carling All Stars side lost to Orlando Pirates in the Black Label Cup final.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns boss was not happy with some of the decisions taken by the match officials.
Source: Briefly News
