Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has praised counterpart Dan Malesela and Marumo Gallants for the brand of football they display and identified individuals who they should be wary of.
Mngqithi and Malesela will face off in the semifinals of the Carling Knockout on Sunday, 10 November, at Dr Molemela Stadium with both sides looking to edge closer to their first piece of silverware for the 2024/25 season.
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Speaking to the media, Mngqithi praised Malesela in how he sets up his team and also reckoned at least six players could pose trouble for them when the two sides meet.
“Dan is always been that coach that plays very good football,” Mngqithi told the media.
“A lot of short passes but of late, he’s also developed a culture of some long balls – a goal that was scored by [Siyabulela] Shai against Stellenbosch is an evidence to that. But now, he also looks for the diagonal dodges, he looks for the ball behind the defence.
“It’s a very good team with a lot of very interesting players. [Thapelo] DhluDhlu on the right, very quick dribbler that causes a lot of problems. They still have [Gabadinho] Mhango who comes in whenever they need him.
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“Their midfield is very industrious with [Edgar] Manaka, with Xola Mlambo. With a boy that I think not many people know that I regard very highly, [Sekela] Sithole. I think he’s a very good football player many people don’t talk about him, but I really think he’s one of those players that are overlooked.
“And I like [Lebogang] Mabotja at left-back. I think he’s always been a very important player for Marumo. It’s a pity that maybe he’s age is where it is [32] but he’s a very good footballer player that I think I would’ve really considered strongly before.
