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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><ul><li>Sundowns have played three PSL games</li><li>They wanted to be assigned this week</li><li>Mngqithi explains why Brazilians wanted to play</li></ul><a href="https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vae4thkJZg4CmvuUtR3C"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱<table><tbody><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

We wanted to play in MTN8 final week! Manqoba Mngqithi reveals Mamelodi Sundowns were denied chance by PSL 'to alleviate pressure'

<p>There are no Premier Soccer League matches that have been scheduled for this week ahead of the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">💥 The countdown begins!<br><br>The ultimate showdown is just 4 days away! <br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTN8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTN8</a> 🏆 2024 Final<br>🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/StellenboschFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StellenboschFC</a><br>🏟️ Moses Mabhida Stadium<br>🗓️ 5 October 2024<br>🎟️ SOLD OUT ⛔<br>⏰ 18H00<br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/SuperSportTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SuperSportTV</a><br><br>⚫⚪🔴⭐<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrlandoPirates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrlandoPirates</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnceAlways?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnceAlways</a> <a href="https://t.co/OFI7gbbU1W">pic.twitter.com/OFI7gbbU1W</a></p>— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) <a href="https://twitter.com/orlandopirates/status/1841025260428411290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed he wanted to capitalise on the chance to at least play a league game but his request was turned down.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>"We will try to have some friendly matches in between. It’s a bit unfortunate because we did think it would have helped us to play in the week of the MTN8 final so as to alleviate pressure on our side. But unfortunately, it did not happen," the former Golden Arrows said as quoted by <a href="https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/how-mamelodi-sundowns-will-use-fifa-break" target="_blank">SABC Sport</a>.</p><p>"We also use these FIFA breaks&nbsp;to give our players a little bit of a breather because we know the schedule ahead is going to be very tough. But we will have to play at least two friendlies." </p>

WHAT MNGQITHI SAID

<p>After struggling in the early stages of the season which led to their elimination from the MTN8 by Stellenbosch, Downs have bounced back well.&nbsp; </p><p>They are top of the PSL table with maximum points from the three games they have played and have made the Caf Champions League group stage meaning the next couple of months will be busy for them.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Coach Mngqithi has extra time to analyze the matches they have played and make amends where he might have gone wrong tactically.&nbsp; </p><p>Injured players like Arthur Sales, Erwin Saavedra, Kegan Johannes, and Terrence Mashego will also get time to recover from their injuries to strengthen the squad for future engagements.&nbsp;</p>

WHAT NEXT?

We wanted to play in MTN8 final week! Manqoba Mngqithi reveals Mamelodi Sundowns were denied chance by PSL 'to alleviate pressure' | Goal.com South Africa

Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed PSL denied Mamelodi Sundowns a chance to play in this midweek.