Sundowns boss Mngqithi shows respect to newly appointed Ernst Middendorp ahead of PSL clash
Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has displayed a high degree of respect for coach Ernst Middendorp ahead of a familiar clash on Saturday.
Maritzburg United host The Brazilians at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday with Middendorp back on their bench for the first time in a long time.
The former Kaizer Chiefs coach has replaced Eric Tinkler, who was fired by the club less than two weeks ago.
Despite having never won silverware during his coaching stints in South Africa, Mngqithi still regards the German as a shrewd coach.
“Ernst is an astute tactician who comes with a lot of things in the game, I have respect for that coach,” said Mngqithi ahead of the trip to KwaZulu-Natal.
“He may not have achieved that much in the country but believe me, he is one of those coaches who works hard. That makes it difficult for us to know what to expect from that game.
“We know Ernst and we know the quality of a coach he is. That team [Maritzburg United] is not a bad team. It is the same team that was giving everybody trouble last season and unfortunately for other reasons they had a bad start.”
Mngqithi has warned his team to be wary of Maritzburg’s strike-force having signed Venezuelan striker Jose Ali Meza from Sundowns at the start of the season.
“Up front they have Ali Meza. He is a troublesome striker. He runs for 90 minutes and he will give us trouble,” he added.
“They have one of the most underrated strikers in the country [Thabiso] Kutumela, whom I believe is one of the best strikers in the country.
“His movements are unbelievable and he is a very good finisher, and that makes them a tricky affair. We have to dig deeper if we want to win it.”
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