Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Farouk Khan believes Manqoba Mngqithi should not be blamed for the team’s poor start to the season.
Things have not been going well for Mngqithi since he took over the job from Rulani Mokwena, who lost only one league game last season.
As would be expected, some supporters are already calling for his head.
“I suppose they are trying to bring a different approach, in a sense that the coach said they were going to look to be more direct,” notes Khan, speaking to KickOff.
“Sometimes when you come up with these new things, it takes a while for the players to understand and to apply it.
“When I watched the game against Stellenbosch, they didn’t look dynamic. At times, the aggression and low block Stellenbosch showed.
“Normally Sundowns are a very patient team, but I think because of the results they suffered in the whole game, the penalty, and playing under enormous pressure to score that opening goal, in the process they were caught with a sucker punch and they conceded.
“Yes, having possession is one thing, but not having a shot on goal… I would be concerned, and I think that’s something Manqoba and his technical team have to work on.
“People are saying the players are not motivated. I think that’s not true, Sundowns players are always motivated.
“I think they need to create a balance between anxiety and fear, then the team will start playing again,” adds the Stars of Africa Academy football director.
Khan says not much should be read into the result against Stellenbosch FC, who bundled the Tshwane out of the MTN8 at the semifinals stage after a 2-0 aggregate score.
“They have strengthened the team, you know. They have got the big Brazilian up front [Arthur Sales], and I expect him to be more clinical. Before, they didn’t play with an out-and-out number 9.
“So, we mustn’t read too much into this game. Stellenbosch has always been a problem to Sundowns, so have Cape Town City, etcetera. But once the league [season] kicks off, the team has to be very sharp.
“But also, a lot of credit should be given to Steve Barker and his technical staff for the way they planned the defensive block. They were fortunate at times with the ball hitting the post.
“Sundowns have spoiled the fans and the South African public with the way they have dominated, so that is why they have introspection now from anybody concerned.
Sundowns is a team with all the quality, so to blame the coach is very, very wrong. I don’t think it’s about Manqoba at this moment in time. It’s more about ‘everything that goes up must come down’,” he continues.
Khan cites the example of Manchester United who, following years of dominance in the English Premier League under legendary Alex Ferguson, have since gone on a downward trajectory that has no end in sight.
“You can’t remain at the top all the time, you go through different phases.
“You can’t blame Manqoba after three games into the season. It’s too early. Sometimes teams start a little bit slow and then they pick up.
“I think you can only judge the true performance of this team under Manqoba at least after 10 games.
“If he goes into the league and he starts losing four, five games, then there’s something wrong. But for now, I think we should just relax and give him a chance.”
