Mngqithi backs young local PSL coaches to succeed | African News

Two-time Mamelodi Sundowns winning co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has thrown his weight behind young South African coaches thrust into the hot seat of their respective teams, saying they have proven they have what it takes to turn the fortunes of their clubs around.

A few PSL clubs have appointed young local coaches on an interim basis after parting ways with veteran coaches. Chippa United have Kurt Lentjies in charge after the departure of Gavin Hunt, while Mngqithi’s former club Golden Arrows have appointed Vusimuzi Vilakazi and Mabhuti Khenyeza after firing Lehlohonolo Seema. Arthur Zwane is holding fort at Kaizer Chiefs following Stuart Baxter’s exit last month with Vincent Kobola in the Baroka dugout after Kgoloko Thobejane was demoted to DStv Diski Challenge a fortnight ago.

Mngqithi has praised the efforts of Zwane, Lentjies and Kobola. Lentjies has been in charge for 18 games, registering four wins, nine draws and five defeats. Zwane seems to be turning the corner at Amakhosi after picking his first win against Marumo Gallants and then drawing against Sundowns.

“Coaches like Arthur [Zwane] and Dillon [Shepard], Kobola at Baroka; the change they have made in a very short space of time, it requires that our South African media must also try to be pessimistic towards our people,” Mngqithi said.

“I think they deserve an opportunity and support from the media. I believe South African coaches are showing signs; look at [Kurt] Lentjies at Chippa, what he’s doing. The team looks good and doing well. [Vincent] Kobola is doing well and Arthur, Dillon in a very short space of time.”

“Honestly speaking, I now want to watch matches that are played by these teams because I see a lot of what I can identify in terms of how South Africa expects football to be played. I believe it is in that way that we’ll be able to improve the quality of football.”

The Amakhosi coach, Zwane, believes that, at times, foreign coaches fail to understand local players because they don’t know the background of the players.

“Local coaches understand where these players are coming from. We [are] dealing with a sensitive issue here; many people don’t know where these boys come from. From the development team, I experienced a lot, dealing with players that [have] got issues with their ancestors,” Zwane said.

“If you don’t have that background and experience, you’ll say the boy is a problem. It is key to understand the culture; it’s ok to get someone from Europe who’ll come and adapt, not change the way we do things.”

With only two matches left to wrap up the season, Kobola has a huge task to save Bakgakga from being relegated; they sit rock bottom with 22 points from 28 games. In the two games, he was in charge; he got a win and a draw. Therefore, Kobola will be aiming to continue with the positive momentum when they face Supersport United and Maritzburg United.

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