The reason why 'outdated' Mngqithi was fired by Mamelodi Sundowns revealed - 'Manqoba ruined everything, it divided the players'

Mamelodi Sundowns made a bold decision to part ways with Manqoba Mngqithi as head coach after his style of play allegedly fell short of the club’s standards.

Mngqithi took over after Rhulani Mokwena's departure but failed to deliver the expected results.

The club replaced him with Portuguese mentor Miguel Cardoso, tasked with rejuvenating the team.

Former Sundowns stalwart Page Mahlangu supports the decision, criticizing Mngqithi’s tactics as divisive and outdated.

Mahlangu believes the new coach can restore Sundowns' footballing philosophy and success.

"With the play that they were playing it was showing something was not right," Mahlangu said as reported by KickOff.

"I like the fact that the new coach has promised not to change their style of play, a football style he witnessed first-hand in last season's Champions League semi-final.

"Manqoba ruined everything by introducing this fast approach to football. It divided the players. It's outdated. Nowadays everybody is going for positional football," he added.

"Football is evolving again, and now is evolving back to possession football. Remember there was once a Mourinho style of play called 'Parking The Bus'. Things like counter-attacking football."

"Then came Pep Guardiola with the position-based football. If Pep could make Germans and the English fell in love with the position-based football then who are we to dispute it?" he asked.

"Mosimane and Mokwena have brought smiles to the faces of that Motsepe family with position-based football.

"Now you come in, you want us to stop playing it; I'm telling you, even your players will backstab you," he continued.

"Manqoba's biggest mistake was to try to fix what was never broken. The new coach will get things right; I saw him coaching Esperance; he plays positional football.

"Manqoba lost the dressing room. You cannot, as a coach point at your players and say this one, and this one lost us the game. These Sundowns players were starting to be divided."

With Miguel Cardoso at the helm, Sundowns and their fans hope for a revival of the famed "Shoeshine and Piano" style of play.

Supporters expect the Portuguese to bring fresh energy and innovative strategies to the team.

Mngqithi’s tenure saw a drift from the possession-based football synonymous with Sundowns.

Cardoso’s appointment aims to align with the club’s commitment to entertaining and effective football.

The expectation is not just local dominance but also significant strides in continental competitions.

The team faces a crucial test against Raja Casablanca in a Caf Champions League match on Sunday.

With a revamped technical team, Sundowns aim to reclaim their place among Africa’s elite.

Fans eagerly anticipate a stronger tactical approach under Miguel Cardoso.

The ultimate goal remains winning the continental showpiece, a title last secured in 2016.

Securing victory against Raja will be critical in regaining momentum and confidence.