Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has said Mamelodi Sundowns’ squad depth will ultimately be the deciding factor in the Betway Premiership title race.
While Orlando Pirates are currently matching Kabo Yellow stride for stride, the quality across Sundowns’ roster gives them an edge over the course of a long, gruelling season.
Also read: Benni McCarthy on the Kaizer Chiefs job
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS TIPPED FOR BETWAY PREMIERSHIP GLORY
Mngqithi pointed out that the strength of Sundowns is not only in the starting XI but in the full squad. He stressed that the team can absorb the absence of key players without losing momentum.
The former Sundowns mentor also praised the competition in the league, noting that while Pirates are pushing hard, other challengers are performing well.
“I’ve always believed that Sundowns have got what it takes to win the league, and I’ve always said it,” Mngqithi said in the post-match press conference after his Golden Arrows side lost 2-1 to Kabo Yellow.
“I’m not mincing my words because even if you look at the players who weren’t on the bench, that team has got what it takes to win the league.”
“I like the competition that Pirates is bringing, and the other teams, but the reality is this team has got depth.
” And not just depth; I can take one or two big teams and say if player A and player B would not be in the team, they would not be the same.
“But at Sundowns, if Teboho [Mokoena] is not there, Marcelo [Allende] is there, Jayden Adams is there, so is [Bathusi] Aubaas. It is the same for me: [Sphelele] Mkhulise should be playing regularly as well.
“So, there is so much depth in every position, and based on that, even when the season becomes stressful, they’ve got enough quality,” Mngqithi added.
Currently, Pirates sit level on points with Sundowns at the top of the table, ahead only on goal difference after 19 matches.
DO YOU AGREE WITH MANQOBA MNGQITHI?
Share your thoughts by clicking on the red comments block below.
