The story behind the scenes
Maritzburg keeping a close eye on Mngqithi?
Following their disappointing start to the season, which includes a 5-0 drubbing by Sundowns, indications are that Maritzburg United are considering changes at the helm and Mngqithi has emerged as one of the candidates that could take over from John Maduka.
And Mngqithi is no stranger to the city. The coach began his coaching career in Pietermaritzburg with Maritzburg City, where he was involved in the development of many players who went on to become professionals.
As confirmed by Siya sources, Mngqithi’s name has come up in the discussions at the club, though indications are that the club is aware that it may be difficult to get him out of his contract at Downs.
“Maritzburg United chairman Farook Kadodia and his board are disappointed at how things have gone for the team under John Maduka whom they thought would be able to the wonders like he did with Royal AM and Bloemfontein Celtic. With the team sitting at the bottom of the log going into the World Cup break, changes are to take place at the Team of Choice and the club has called a meeting for Wednesday with Maduka about the team’s disappointing results.
“In their current situation, Maritzburg need an experienced coach who would be able to move the team up as soon as possible when the season resumes and Manqoba Mngqithi’s name has come up in the discussions,” a Siya source explained.
AmaZulu return is an option
In his second role as a PSL coach, Mngqithi was in charge of AmaZulu between July 2010 and September 2011, following his successful spell with Golden Arrows.
With his extensive knowledge and understanding of clubs and players in KZN, he is seen as a viable option for the club.
Usuthu have appointed Romain Folz on a short-term deal until the end of the season, and depending on the results under the coach’s watch, the club could look at replacing him with Mngqithi or bringing the latter on board in a different role.
The club president, Sandile Zungu, has proven to be very ambitious and demanding in his expectations while at times he has been criticized for chopping and changing coaches. Zungu has already seen the back of Ayanda Dlamini, Allan Freese, Benni McCarthy and Brandon Truter.
For now, Folz does have time to convince the Usuthu bosses, but the Siya crew has been informed that Mngqithi has already been identified as a possible option, should there be a change at the end of the season or earlier.
“AmaZulu will have a big decision to make at the end of the season about the head coach position after appointing Romain Folz on a shortterm contract when the club parted ways with Brandon Truter.
“Folz has been given a chance to impress and so far, he has done well in leading the team to the MTN8 final and winning his first league match last weekend against Stellenbosch, but in football, results are crucial for coaches to hold on to their positions and consistency is required.
“One of the coaches whose name has come up as the club will be planning for next season and beyond is Manqoba Mngqithi, who previously coached the team earlier in his career under the previous management,” said the source.
Will Chiefs consider a co-coaching role?
According to well-placed sources, there has been no communication between Kaizer Chiefs and Mngqithi’s camp, though the experienced mentor is seen as a viable option for the Soweto giants.
Arthur Zwane has still got the backing of the Naturena-based side, although has come under criticism following an inconsistent league run and elimination from the MTN8.
Adding a coach of Mngqithi’s experience and success to the technical team could make sense to the Amakhosi leadership, if they were to make any changes to the team. And by assessing the success of the co-coaching system at Sundowns, it is a possible solution to bring the glory days back to Naturena.
Mngqithi is one of the most experienced coaches in South Africa and with Amakhosi enduring an extended barren spell, he could be part of the answer.
It remains to be seen if Chiefs do consider a co-coaching set-up!