Mngqithi Commends Mohafe’s Potential Ahead of Sundowns-Polokwane City Clash
As Mamelodi Sundowns gear up to face Polokwane City again, coach Manqoba Mngqithi has praised his counterpart Phuti Mohafe, expressing optimism about Mohafe’s impact on South African football. The teams will meet at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday evening, with Polokwane City aiming to repeat their surprise victory over Sundowns from late October.
Current Form
Polokwane City shook up the league on October 27 with a 1-0 win over Sundowns at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, ending Sundowns’ undefeated run this season. Despite this setback, Sundowns rebounded with a strong 3-0 victory over Cape Town City in their subsequent league match, cementing their position as title contenders. They currently sit second in the Betway Premiership table with 15 points from six games. Polokwane City, who have continued their solid form with a three-match unbeaten streak, including wins over Sundowns and Royal AM, are close behind in third place, only two points adrift.
Mohafe’s Response to Success
Reflecting on Polokwane City’s season so far, Mohafe emphasized the importance of teamwork and support from his technical staff. He’s aware that external opinions about his work may vary, but he remains focused on the club’s collective goals. “We allow ourselves to grow, and for us, that means keeping a strong relationship among ourselves,” he said, highlighting the unity within his team. Mohafe has also been steadfast in dismissing detractors, focusing instead on his squad’s growth and commitment.
Mngqithi’s Praise for Mohafe
Mngqithi, who admitted to being impressed by Polokwane City’s performance in their last encounter, offered high praise for Mohafe, calling him a coach with "attention to detail." He’s optimistic about Mohafe’s potential impact on South African football, stating, “He’s got a lot to give...and from that time until now our relationship has always been very good.” Mngqithi’s comments reflect both respect for his opponent and confidence in the broader development of South African coaching talent.
Key Players to Watch
Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners remains one to watch, having scored six goals across competitions this season. However, his last league goal came on September 28, and he will be looking to break this dry spell against Polokwane. Meanwhile, Polokwane City’s Thabang Matuludi, recognized as one of the best defenders in the Premier Soccer League, will play a crucial role in countering Sundowns’ attack. Matuludi, who attracted interest from Kaizer Chiefs, will look to put in a standout performance against the defending champions.
Head-to-Head Record
Recent encounters have seen Sundowns hold the upper hand, with Polokwane City only managing a win in their last meeting this season. Historically, Sundowns have often been dominant in this fixture, with wins in previous seasons, including a 3-0 victory in 2019 and a 2-0 win last season. Polokwane’s narrow victory in October, however, serves as a reminder that they are capable of challenging the league’s top teams.
The Stakes
Both teams come into this clash with plenty to prove. Sundowns will be eager to maintain momentum and reclaim the top position in the league, while Polokwane City aims to continue their impressive run. This fixture not only tests the tactical acumen of coaches Mngqithi and Mohafe but also promises to showcase some of the PSL’s top talent. For Mngqithi, this game offers a chance to assert Sundowns’ dominance, while for Mohafe, it’s an opportunity to prove that Polokwane’s recent success was no fluke.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0