Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Thlopie Motsepe has praised the impact of former Masandawana coach Manqoba Mngqithi, saying he laid the groundwork for Miguel Cardoso’s side to lift the Betway Premiership.
Mngqithi started the season as Sundowns coach after the departure of Rulani Mokwena, but was sacked in December.
Cardoso came in and has lost just four of his 29 games across all competitions. In the league, Cardoso collected 18 wins in 21 games, as Sundowns’ clinched their eighth successive title.
After the match, Motsepe hailed the current head coach for his achievement but also highlighted the contribution of the previous technical team around Mngqithi.
“We played against him in the Champions League last year in the semi-finals, and he has a very good way of how he has motivated the players,” he said on SABC.
“When we had to make the change, it was difficult because we had some coaches who were part of our DNA for a very long time.
“And I think I must take this moment – this is Cardoso’s day, this is Mamelodi Sundowns’ day, but I must just take a moment to say thank you to coach Wendell [Robinson], coach Manqoba Mngqithi as well and the team that was around them.
“Because we are able to have a team right now that’s performing at this level, that has reached this peak in performance because when he started the season, he was rotating the team, because we knew it was going to be a long season ahead and we had a lot to compete for.
“Again, it’s coach Miguel’s moment and we’re so proud of what he’s done. When he came, he wanted to connect with the culture, he was so fascinated by the country, and he rewarded the fans with this trophy in his first season.”
