THE realist in Manqoba Mngqithi would not allow the Mamelodi Sundowns coach to look at his team’s recent scoring spree as a sign of what is to come on their trip to the FNB Stadium this weekend.
Having overseen an impressive 12-goal return from the last four matches in which they were breached just once, Mngqithi could well be champing at the bit in anticipation of Saturday’s visit to Kaizer Chiefs (3pm kick-off).
Of course, he would love nothing more than for the Brazilians to put four past Amakhosi – just as they did to Mbabane Swallows on two occasions, as well as Marumo Gallants.
But you can bet the man who also responds to the call of Brilliant would also accept a 2-0 win similar to the one Sundowns registered against SuperSport United.
Speaking after they’d beaten Gallants 4-1 in their second match of the 2024/25 Premiership season, Mngqithi acknowledged that he would love to see the opposition goalkeeper scooping the ball from his own net as many times as possible.
“It’s always difficult to pre-empt what is going to happen in the next match,” Mngqithi said prior to the Amakhosi’s league clash away to AmaZulu last night.
“It’s our wish to see the team scoring goals; it’s our wish to see the team creating a lot of opportunities.
“But, with due respect, it is always important to give respect to the opponents. You don’t want to go into that match with a sense that you are entitled to get the results, or you are entitled to score goals, because I think at the moment Chiefs are also playing well.”
He reminded those listening that the Amakhosi remained giants of the local game, their poor form in the past nine seasons notwithstanding.
“They are really a big force in South African football, and they still need to be given the necessary respect that they deserve,” Mngqithi said.
“Be that as it may, we will try to give it our best shot, and see what we can make of it. Hopefully, the gods of football will be with us to score those goals.”
Those who have seen Sundowns in recent matches will argue that there’s no need for Mngqithi to invoke the assistance of any deities when he has a squad teeming with players with the finishing qualities of gods.
When they beat Gallants on Tuesday, Sundowns had four different scorers in Tashreeq Matthews, Iqraam Rayners, Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Sphelele Mkhulise.
1⃣ Goal
2⃣ Assists
Hear from Man of the Match Tashreeq Matthews who spoke to us after a strong display on Tuesday evening! 🗣🏆#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/mb4QO4509J
In the preceding match against eSwatini’s Swallows in the second-round, second-leg CAF Champions League clash, Mkhulise, Kobamelo Kodisang, Malibongwe Khoza and Thembinkosi Lorch got onto the score sheet.
Against SuperSport United in the league opener, Rayners and Ribeiro scored. The duo were also on the mark when Sundowns beat Swallows 4-0 in the first leg, the Brazilian having helped himself to a brace as Mosa Lebusa also found the opposition net.
On the strength of this, it was sensible that Mngqithi was asked if there would be yet another goal-feast at the FNB Stadium on Saturday. And it’s not surprising that he responded like the sensible coach he is.