Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi during the game of Stellenbosch FC against Mamelodi Sundowns in their DSTV Premiership at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch Mamelodi Sundowns’ Manqoba Mngqithi was relatively reserved with his praise for his troops after their thumping victory over Marumo Gallants in their Betway Premiership clash. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane/Indpendent Media
Normally after a football team triumphs by three goals the coach would be pleased as punch, but that was not quite the case for Mamelodi Sundowns’ Manqoba Mngqithi on Tuesday evening.
In a statement to the other league contenders, Sundowns romped to a 4-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in their Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Tashreeq Matthews and Irqraam Rayners scored in the first half, before Lucas Costa and Sphelele Mkhulise saw Sundowns out to a 4-0 lead, before Gabadinho Mhango grabbed a consolation goal just before full time.
The win took The Brazilians to a position the champions for the last sevens seasons are accustomed, as they lead the table after two games ahead of Orlando Pirates.
Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi after their 4️⃣➖️1️⃣ #BetwayPrem win over Marumo Gallants. pic.twitter.com/nNmjdcJj5A
— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) September 24, 2024
“I think we started the game quite well. We created some good openings. [We were] Fortunate to get that first goal which I think opened the game up a little bit for us,” said Mngqithi.
“Then they started to use a bit of a high line, and we managed to use the space behind them better. I must give credit to Thapelo Morena for always being behind their defence and helping us find some scoring opportunities.”
According to Mngqithi, Sundowns battled to get going in the second half.
“Though we started the second half quite well, and after we made a number of changes for many reasons, we lost momentum and balance. That’s expected sometimes when you make too many changes to your key players.”
In total, Sundowns reeled off 11 shots in the game, with nine on target - a fact that pleased Mngqithi.
“Overall, I was happy with how the team played. Unhappy with the number of chances we did not score with. I am excited that there’s been a little bit of improvement with the number of shots on target. That’s an area where sometimes we would create 24 chances but have less than five shots on target.
“Now that it’s improving, it means our complimentary sessions are helping. But we still have a lot of work to do in ensuring we keep the same intensity and balance throughout the match.”
Next up for Sundowns, will be the highly-anticipated league encounter against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday at FNB Stadium.