Molangoane backs Da Cruz despite growing Mngqithi speculation at Kaizer Chiefs

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Joseph Molangoane says Manqoba Mngqithi could be a valuable appointment for the club, but insists current head coach Fernando Da Cruz must be given the opportunity to prove himself.

Talk of Mngqithi joining Amakhosi has intensified on social media since Chiefs were knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup on Friday.

Mngqithi, who previously managed Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows, recently left Tanzanian club Youn Africans. His potential availability has added to scrutiny of the Kaizer Chiefs technical team, with Da Cruz under increasing pressure.

Molangoane, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew, recognised Mngqithi’s coaching credentials but said the responsibility currently rests with Da Cruz to improve the team’s fortunes at Naturena.

“Honestly speaking, when we talk about coach Manqoba Mngqithi, we are talking about an experienced coach, and I believe that he would be a great addition to Kaizer Chiefs if he were to join the club.

“But, having said that, Chiefs currently have a coach in Da Cruz, and he has been given a job to do. At the end of the day, he has to deliver. They are both professional coaches and are capable of doing the job.

“Da Cruz is already there, and he needs to get going in terms of doing the job in the best possible way for a big club like Kaizer Chiefs. I still believe that we can bounce back, as it is the early days of the season. I believe in and trust the players, and I believe they will turn the corner and lead the team to better results.”

Kaizer Chiefs face TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Cup on Friday night before meeting Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby on Saturday.

Molangoane wants the players to use the cup tie to give supporters something to celebrate before the much-anticipated derby.

“It’s a very nice thing that we are playing tonight, and it’s a cup game. Immediately afterwards, the focus will turn to the Soweto Derby, which will be another big game. I would like to appeal to the players to please put all their focus on tonight’s game and make sure they make the supporters happy.

“It’s been a while since our supporters last celebrated, and the guys owe it to them to make sure that the Chiefs supporters have something to celebrate in preparation for the derby.”

The former winger also warned that past results would have little bearing on the meeting with Orlando Pirates, describing the derby as a contest requiring its own approach.

“A derby is a different ball game, and it doesn’t matter how well you have done in the games leading up to it; it’s just a different game that should be treated as such.

“As one of the Khosi Nation, as a club fan and a legend, I wish the team everything of the best for tonight and on Saturday.”