The decision that cost Mngqithi his Mamelodi Sundowns job? Dropping Mokwena-Ball was not Manqoba's idea reveals Romain Folz - 'He gave me responsibilities to change a pattern of play'

During Rhulani Mokwena's time, Mamelodi Sundowns played a passing game that was beautiful to watch.

However, things changed swiftly when Manqoba Mngqithi took over. Masandawana did not seem to concentrate on ball possession but their sight was on goal.

A majority of the fans were not impressed with the change of style as their team lost the identity they were used to.

Former club's assistant coach Romain Folz has now opened up, saying it was his idea to have a different approach.

"Coach Manqoba gave me the responsibilities, among other things but most importantly, of the offensive departments and try a little bit to segment the work in way our formula and a pattern of play and how we approach the game in the offensive side more diverse," Folz the former AmaZulu coach told on SoccerBeat.  

"To be able to adapt and hurt any type of opponent. I believe we had a lot of good moments, we scored a lot of goals, that was our main responsibility. We had good examples, a game in the cup against Arrows [we won 5-0 in the Carling Knockout] and [won 4-0] against Chiefs, where we had different type of opposition and I believe we played the right cards, scored a lot of goals.  

"But yeah I believe in as much as we scored a lot of goals, we could have scored more. So I believe it was good but we could've done better," Folz concluded.

The Mngqithi-ball did not last, he was fired alongside Folz barely six months after taking over.

Masandawana reached the MTN8 semi final but fell to Stellenbosch, before a shock Carling Knockout final loss against Magesi FC.

Sundowns are currently under former Esperance coach Miguel Cardoso who took over from the 53-year-old tactician.

Mngqithi and Folz are currently free agents with hopes of getting another coaching team soon.

For Cardoso and Sundowns, the Caf Champions League title is the primary target after close calls in recent editions.

The team will also be aiming at successfully defending their Premier Soccer League title and have a say in the Nedbank Cup.