What the Siya crew has been told…

“Rulani Mokwena will take over the responsibility of Head Coach at Mamelodi Sundowns, Steve Komphela will be promoted to become First Team Coach and Manqoba Mngqithi will be the Senior Coach which is the position previously occupied by Steve Komphela,” read Mamelodi Sundowns’ statement, in part.

While the Brazilians didn’t explain the criteria used for Mngqithi’s removal from the top position, indications are that the experienced mentor wasn’t entirely happy with the change. However, his camp has said that he is not upset and is supporting the club’s decision.

The change for Mngqithi has been viewed by many in the fraternity as a demotion, and insiders have suggested that the move has been coming. It has been suggested that the decision to restructure the technical team was made some time back, with the loss to Orlando Pirates being the catalyst to pull the trigger.

According to sources, the decision may have been influenced by the relationship between Mngqithi and Mokwena, which was first reported by the Siya crew in September last year and later confirmed by Mokwena to the media.

According to the insiders, Mngqithi and Mokwena have not been on speaking terms for several months, with Komphela playing the middle man between the two mentors.

But where does this decision leave Mngqithi, a top coach who has proven to be a serial winner with the Brazilians?

It has been confirmed that clubs are monitoring the latest developments and assessing how long Mngqithi will last in his new role as interest in his services grows. In addition, it is believed that the Umzimkhulu-born mentor wants a head coach role and not secondary position, which will influence his decision.

Maritzburg United is monitoring the situation closely, while AmaZulu FC could be one of the options for the respected mentor, as indicated by sources.

“Maritzburg United had hoped for a better season after they parted ways with Ernst Middendorp, but so far, things haven’t gone the way they thought they would go for the team under John Maduka and changes are likely to be made. The club has showed interest in Manqoba Mngqithi as they look to bring in an experienced coach like they did in the past with the likes of Middendorp and Steve Komphela,” said the source.

However, there could be a stumbling block for any of the potential suitors.

Indications are that Mngqithi put pen to paper on a four-year contract when he signed his new deal in 2020, which would mean that his existing deal runs until June of 2024. That suggests that any suitor will need to buy him out of his existing contract, unless the two parties agree on a mutual exit.

Furthermore, it is believed that the successful coach is on a lucrative deal and any suitors would have to make it worth his while – financially – to consider an offer.