Mamelodi Sundowns coach Mngqithi wary of 'hard working' Polokwane City ahead of PSL showdown with influential Appollis, Chauke and Matuludi stressing Masandawana mentor

Mamelodi Sundowns are aiming to make it five wins out of five in the league as they take on Polokwane City today.

Coach Manqoba Mngqithi has enjoyed a strong start to the season and will be determined to guide his side back to the top of the table, pushing Orlando Pirates down to second place.

Rise and Shine, currently sitting in seventh, will be eager to upset the defending champions.

Sundowns will be without their Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro, who is suspended, and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who is in France for the Ballon d'Or ceremony, where South Africans are hoping he secures the Yachine Trophy.

Mngqithi shared his thoughts on the challenges Polokwane City poses, emphasizing the need to be cautious of their key players.

The 53-year-old coach knows his team must remain focused to extend their winning streak and stay on course for another successful campaign.

"Polokwane City is a very complicated team, there were a lot of man-to-man marking but I think with the time that we have, we'll try to figure out what we need to do. I do believe we will have a very strong team to play against them and we are hoping to come back with the three points," Mngqithi said as reported by Sabcsport.

"It's not gonna be easy, it's a team that works really hard off the ball. It's a team that has got very influential players in Chauke [Hlayisi], in Appollis [Oswin], in Matuludi [Thabang], that makes them a team that you must always be wary of what they might bring into the game but we'll have to cross that bridge when we get into it. One is optimistic that with the group that we have, we can always compete at any given stage with any other team in the league," he added.

"I think I said from the beginning in the launch that for me they are the team that I think is going to be really pushing us. I hope and pray they do have the depth to carry themselves during the group stages and the league because I think that's where maybe the separation will take place because I do believe they are a very good team."

Since taking over from Rhulani Mokwena, Coach Mngqithi faced initial doubts about his ability to lead Mamelodi Sundowns forward.

Despite an early setback in the MTN8, he has made significant progress with the team.

Mngqithi's focus is now on going all the way in the Carling Knockout Cup to secure silverware.

He remains determined to maintain Sundowns’ dominance in the league, even with stiff competition emerging.

The coach understands the importance of consistency and is committed to keeping the team on top.

He also aims to silence critics by proving that the club can continue thriving under his leadership. With each match, he works towards cementing his legacy and ensuring Sundowns stay ahead of their rivals.

Next for Sundowns is a crucial league encounter against Polokwane City.

They aim to extend their winning streak to five matches.

Coach Mngqithi will be focused on maintaining momentum as they push to reclaim the top spot from Pirates.

The coaching staff will emphasize focus and consistency to avoid any slip-ups against determined opponents like City.

As the season progresses, every game becomes vital in staying ahead of their rivals.

A win in their next fixture will solidify Sundowns' ambitions to dominate on all fronts once again.