Zwane insists Manqoba Mngqithi firing from Brazilians 'feels like a funeral' - 'He did not just lose a job, Mamelodi Sundowns is family to him'

Coach Manqoba Mngqithi has been serving Mamelodi Sundowns since 2013 when he joined from Golden Arrows.

After Pitso Mosimane left, he briefly served as a co-coach alongside Steve Komphela and Rhulani Mokwena.

However, the post did not last for long; he was demoted alongside Komphela early in the 2022/23 season with Mokwena taking full control.

Mngqithi was given another chance to prove he could lead a big team like Sundowns when Mokwena left in July.

However, the former has not delivered as expected; he lost the MTN8, Carling Knockout, and has had a slow start in the 2024/25 Caf Champions League.

The Masandawana management decided to replace him with former Esperance coach Miguel Cardoso.

Retired right-back Siyanda Zwane, who played under Mngqithi at Golden Arrows and Sundowns, has empathized with his former colleague.

"I just feel bad for him because I know how much he loves that team, but he has the support of many people," he told SNL24.

"One thing I know about him is that he has mastered emotional intelligence. Maybe he saw it coming and prepared his mind that something like this might happen. When you take that hot seat, anything can happen to anyone. He is a big guy and I am sure he will get a job soon because of who he is, what he has done, and the quality of coach he is.

"Moments like these feel like a funeral. He did not just lose a job, Sundowns is family to him. So, it's sad to see, but having said that, results are everything and if they are not forthcoming, then obviously things like this will happen.

"I thought he would still get a chance to prove himself, but maybe the result against Magesi in the Carling Knockout had a lot to do with this decision," Zwane added.

"He brought so much value during his time there. They won cups while he was there. Having worked with him, I know what type of person he is and I'd like to believe he gave everything. He works hard and he loves his work."

Mngqithi is one of the most experienced coaches in the country which will undoubtedly lead to interest in his services from teams in the Premier Soccer League.

He joins several PSL coaches who have been shown the door already this season and with the rate of churn in the manager merry-go-round he will soon be in the dugout again.