Mamelodi Sundowns coach Mngqithi voices concern about Carling Knockout final date - 'I don’t think the area where the final is put is fair to anyone'

Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for the Carling Knockout final against Magesi FC, scheduled for November 23 at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

However, this timing is concerning for Coach Manqoba Mngqithi, as ten of his players will be away on international duty for AFCON qualifiers just days before the match.

Out of these, eight represent Bafana Bafana, while Peter Shalulile and Divine Lunga join Namibia and Zimbabwe, respectively.

He voiced his frustration, stating that the placement of the final so soon after the FIFA break feels unfair, especially given the extensive involvement of Sundowns’ players in national teams.

Although disappointed with the timing, the 53-year-old remains determined, acknowledging that blessings and setbacks often accompany each other in football.

Looking ahead, he hopes the players return refreshed and ready for a successful showdown against Magesi FC, whose coach, Clinton Larsen, has a history of winning this trophy.

“Eight for me is an understatement because we also losing Peter Shalulile to Namibia, and we also have Divine Lunga for Zimbabwe,” Mngqithi told the media as reported by iDiski Times.

“I don’t think the area where the final is put is fair to anyone, not immediately after the FIFA break but sometimes you must accept whatever comes.

“Because I think where we are playing Sekhukhune United, we could’ve played the final there and it would’ve been better.

“Maybe we would still have a league match on that weekend but not immediately after the FIFA break when we’ve got so many players that are in the national team but what can you do?

“We have to do what we have to do and we must accept baddings and blessings always go together.

“So, sometimes you will blame the league for putting the final there but what if they put it without the knowledge that we might be in the final? I don’t think there is much we can do.”

The focus will be on managing player recovery and fitness as players return from national duty just days before the Carling Knockout final.

With Bafana Bafana players only travelling as far as Uganda, and playing their second AFCON qualifier in Cape Town on the 19th, the hope is that they’ll return in optimal condition.

This travel schedule, while intensive, limits long-haul flights that could otherwise add to fatigue.

Coach Mngqithi will be looking to see his key players come back injury-free, especially as the final against will demand their full energy and focus.

With a tight turnaround, maintaining physical readiness and team morale will be essential to secure the trophy for Sundowns.

A decisive final against Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout is up for Mngqithi, who is targeting his first trophy as sole head coach at Downs.

Interestingly, his counterpart Larsen, Magesi’s coach, has a history with this trophy, having won it before with Bloemfontein Celtic in a match against Sundowns. For Mngqithi, this final is a critical moment to secure silverware for Sundowns, making it a high-stakes encounter.