2 weeks Ago
Mngqithi omitted both Mudau and Mokoena from the squad that did duty in the Tshwane Derby on Tuesday, where The Brazilians claimed the bragging rights after winning 2-0 via goals from Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners. Both Bafana Bafana stars were this week spotted in social media pictures in the company of EFF leader Julius Malema. Thus, their absence during the derby raised many an eyebrow.
“We must also show respect to players performing at this point in time. Sometimes we get caught up in our private politics, which makes us ignore the good performances and the opportunities that are given to other players. “If you think of a player like Rivaldo Coetzee, who has suffered so much with injuries and all that, and when he gets the opportunity and performs the way has performed, he deserves the opportunity.
We have almost 40 players and all of them are waiting for just a small opportunity to get a chance. If we don’t do justice and give them those opportunities, we will not see what they are capable of. “Today we're talking about [Asekho] Tiwani.
If I didn’t allow Tiwani to play, how were we going to know that he is a good football player? Lebo [Maboe] has been injured, in and out every season, and good professional, good attitude, and gives his all to the team. He deserves to get the opportunity. "All the players that are getting the opportunity also deserve the opportunity.
That is justice, that’s transparency, that’s fairness that everybody must get the opportunity if in training we feel he deserves an opportunity. But if you feel you deserve an opportunity from wherever you are and not training, then what can we do?” added Mngqithi. This is a clear indication that under Mngqithi, no player is guaranteed game-time regardless of the calibre or name, and that all of those on the club's books will be given a fair shot at proving their worth.
It might turn to be a shock to the system for those accustomed to playing all the time under previous coach Rulani Mokwena, but will be considered by many as being a healthy approach for competition and keeping everyone on their toes. Mudau is a player Mokwena expressed he would be willing to take a bullet for, while Mokoena's contribution to the team's cause needs no introduction. Sundowns now switch focus to the CAF Champions League, where they host Mbabane Swallows for the second leg of their second preliminary round, on Saturday.
.
