Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi explains why he changed Rhulani Mokwena's Tiki Taka style - 'I have always believed in a game of football that is faster.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has thoroughly clarified the rationale behind altering Rhulani Mokwena's Tiki Taka playing style.

The 37-year-old mentor was known for his possession-based football approach while he was with Masandawana before departing for Wydad AC at the end of last season.

Mngqithi, who took over the reins at the beginning of the season, has appreciated Mokwena's style but articulated the need to modify certain elements, asserting his belief in fast-paced football.

"I've always been a coach who believes in a game of football that is faster. Even with coach Pitso Mosimane, there were a lot of moments where we used speed in wing play to exploit the opponents," Mngqithi said on SNAWA.

"I remember the combination of Hlompho Kekana and a (Tebogo) Langerman, opened up teams a lot. We had a lot of wing play at the time, that's why we even brought players like Thapelo (Morena) because we wanted to use a lot of wing play.

"But there was a slight change when Rulani came in because he did not like the usage of width. He wanted us to use minimal width, which was working for him because we were winning matches and controlling matches," he added.

"But sometimes we're not creating enough chances and when we don't create enough, you must know in our team, in our country, we miss a lot of chances. So the plan was to try to create a little bit more so that even when we miss we're still able to get a few more that you can convert."

Mokwena and Mngqithi worked for several years as assistant coaches under three-time Champions League winner Pitso Mosimane at Sundowns, amassing numerous trophies.

In the 2023/204 season, the Soweto-born manager won 29 Premier Soccer League matches, with only one loss occurring in the final match of the season.

Up to this point, Mngqithi has missed out on two league cup competition titles, having been defeated by Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final. He also was unable to clinch the MTN8 trophy.

Conversely, Mokwena is currently still trying to instil his possession-based style at the Moroccan Botola Pro League team Wydad AC, whom he defeated to claim the inaugural African Football League title last year.

Mngqithi will be looking to demonstrate that his style is effective and advantageous for the team when Sundowns encounter AS FAR Rabat in the Caf Champions League match on Saturday evening.

Additionally, the former Golden Arrows manager aspires to silence his critics by winning the league as Mokwena accomplished last season and securing the Nedbank Cup title as well as the Champions League trophy.