Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has dismissed suggestions that the club has lost its fear factor this season. The comments, made by former Sundowns legends Hlompho Kekana and Teko Modise on the Pitchside Podcast, have sparked debate.
However, Mngqithi has a different perspective. He believes that a team that is feared might underestimate their opponents, leading to unexpected results. Speaking ahead of their Carling Knockout showdown in Bloemfontein, Mngqithi maintains he prefers the current situation where opponents aren’t overly intimidated by Sundowns.
But the Masandawana coach was not too bothered by the comments and stated he preferred it to be that way, heading into the domestic cup final in Bloemfontein this weekend.
“Personally, I would not want to be feared before the fight, personally, that’s how I am, because you know when you’re fighting a coward and he’s already scared of you, he will give you the biggest left hook you’ve never seen because he doesn’t want a comeback,” he said.
“He’s scared of you but when people don’t fear you, I think it’s better because it means they won’t pull out all the stops to make sure they stop you. But if you’re not scared of a team that is capable of scoring 11 goals in three matches, then there’s something wrong with you,” Mngqithi stated.
Sundowns will face Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final at the Toyota Stadium on Saturday, November 23rd, at 18:00 SAST.