Manqoba Mngqithi praises Sundowns’ quality despite Golden Arrows’ rare league win

Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has downplayed his side’s impressive Betway Premiership victory over Mamelodi Sundowns, insisting the reigning champions remain a formidable force despite their first league defeat of the season.

Abafana Bes’thende stunned the Brazilians on Wednesday, ending a five-year winless run against them and intensifying the scrutiny around Sundowns’ uneven start to the campaign.

Sundowns, who sit second on the log with 18 points from nine games, have drawn criticism from sections of their support base over what they see as a lack of fluency and sparkle in performances.

However, Mngqithi — who spent a decade at Chloorkop winning multiple titles — refrained from celebrating at his former club’s expense.

“For beating Sundowns, it will feel bad if I gloat about it because this is my former team. This team has done so much for me and my family and I will always be grateful to this team,” he said.

“After something like this, I never have feelings of thinking I am better or anything like that.”

Mngqithi urged patience with the Brazilians, pointing to their disrupted preseason and heavy schedule.

“In the first 10 matches, you can expect them not to be in sync. The fact they were at the Fifa Club World Cup is taking its toll,” he explained. “I don’t think they are at the level they are supposed to be. When I look at the recruitment they made, they have done very well.”

Despite the result, Mngqithi remains convinced Sundowns’ pedigree will show through.

“Class is permanent,” he stressed. “There are moments where even with class you can be punished here and there, but they are still very strong this season and I am honest when I say that.”