Mamelodi Sundowns coach Mngqithi lavishes youngster Tiwani with praise as Brazilians eye top-spot in PSL - ‘One just hopes and prays he does not get injured’

Five games into his journey with Mamelodi Sundowns, Asekho Tiwani has already earned high praise from coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

He joined the club from Sekhukhune United after impressive performances last season, including a stunning goal against Cape Town Spurs.

Despite facing tough competition for a spot in the star-studded squad, the young midfielder has stepped up and continues to catch his coach’s attention.

Mngqithi has shown confidence in junior international by regularly selecting him, a testament to his talent and work ethic.

However, the coach emphasized the importance of consistency and staying injury-free to sustain his progress.

With each appearance, Tiwani seems more determined to secure his place in the starting lineup.

If he maintains his current form, the youngster could establish himself as a key player for Sundown.

“That’s very impressive, I don’t want to lie to you, he’s one player that surprises all of us when you consider that just last season he was a DDC [DStv Diski Challenge] player for Sekhukhune,” said Mngqithi as reported by FarPost.

“Suddenly, he’s amongst the serious contenders for the first spot in the Sundowns camp.

“He plays very well and the good thing about him which is very unusual from a youngster, he’s very consistent.

“Youngsters are normally not very consistent and he’s very consistent and one just hopes and prays that he does not get injured.”

Tiwani is eager to solidify his place in Sundowns' highly competitive squad and grow into a key player in the future.

Competing against experienced international players for his position presents a tough challenge, but it also offers him a unique learning opportunity.

His ability to adapt and perform consistently will be crucial if he aims to become a regular in the starting lineup.

If Tiwani continues to impress, he could follow in the footsteps of other young talents who rose to prominence at Sundowns and even earn a call-up to the national team.

With patience, hard work, and guidance from seasoned teammates, the young midfielder could establish himself as one of the standout South African talents in the coming seasons.

Up next for Sundowns are two crucial fixtures that will test their resolve. Midweek, they face Cape Town City, the only team to defeat them in the league last season, making this a chance for redemption.

Just days later, they shift focus to a high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals.

With a shot at silverware at stake, Sundowns will need to rotate smartly to manage fatigue.

These back-to-back challenges demand peak performance, tactical precision, and mental toughness as they aim to maintain their dominance both domestically and in cup competitions.