Manqoba Mngqithi: Mamelodi Sundowns must respect Nasreddine Nabi’s Kaizer Chiefs

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi admits he is impressed by the improvement of Kaizer Chiefs under new boss Nasreddine Nabi.

Amakhosi kicked off their 2025/25 Betway Premiership campaign with a 2-1 away win against Marumo Gallants and a 3-1 defeat of AmaZulu.

They are next in action against Mngqithi’s Brazilians who also had a perfect start to their season.

Sundowns, who have already competed in the MTN8 and CAF Champions League, recorded league wins over SuperSport United (2-0) and Gallants (4-1).

Ahead of the weekend’s encounter, Mngqithi explained in the Citizen: “We should go into this match with a lot of respect and humility.

“It’s still too early for anyone to start thinking that we have found our groove.

“The way Chiefs have started the season, with their transitions and the players that they have upfront. Gaston (Sirino) is very important for them and (Ranga) Chivaviro is also important for them. I must say that the young (Mduduzi) Shabalala has really stamped his authority.

“If you go into the match without respecting the threat that the opponent also presents, you’d be naive.

“It’s going to be a very interesting match against a very good team and a team that is very well supported.

“We also need to have a little bit of humility when we get into a match like this one. I must also commend coach Nabi for the work that he has done with the team in a very short space of time.”

The last time these two sides faced each other, the Brazilians beat Chiefs 5-1.