Golden Arrows' Manqoba Mngqithi warns 'it's just a matter of time' before Mamelodi Sundowns get back to their lethal form

Golden Arrows' head coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes the defending Premier Soccer League champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, are still a strong side despite their current struggle.

Mngqithi's Arrows handed the Brazilians their first defeat this season on Wednesday, and the tactician has said the result should not convince anyone to underrate the Tshwane giants.

"As for beating Sundowns, I wouldn't be looking at it as my former team, and it'd feel bad if I were to gloat about beating Sundowns because this team has done so much for me and my family," Mngqithi told the media at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.

"I will always be grateful to this team. I never have feelings of thinking I am better or whatnot because I know this is a very powerful team," he added.

"I hear people saying this season is going to be something different. In my opinion, I think this team is still very strong... It's just a matter of time [before they are untouchable again]."

Apart from tipping his former club to rise, the 54-year-old tactician has lauded Downs for the kind of players they have signed.

"You must remember they didn't have a proper pre-season, and we're still capitalising on that," he added.

"In the first 10 matches, you can expect them not to be at their best, and also the fact that they were at the Club World Cup took its toll. The adaptation from the Club World Cup alone should at least take close to a month for players to adapt well," the coach continued.

"I don't think they are where they are supposed to be, and when I look at the recruitments they made, I also still feel they've done very well."

After the away defeat, the Brazilians will host Richards Bay on September 27.

A game against league leaders Sekhukhune United will follow in October.