Manqoba Mnqgithi has openly criticized Bafana Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau after Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup final. The Sundowns coach expressed his frustration over Mudau’s failure to close down Edmore Chirambadare’s cross, which led to Magesi’s opening goal. Mnqgithi emphasized that Mudau had plenty of time to stop the cross and prevent the danger.
The defeat was particularly painful for Sundowns, as they were the heavy favorites going into the match. Mnqgithi voiced his disappointment that his top players, like Mudau, didn’t perform when it mattered most. Despite having a strong squad, Sundowns fell short, and Magesi took full advantage, securing a historic win.
Magesi, the newly-promoted PSL side, stunned everyone by not only defeating Sundowns but also eliminating other big names like Orlando Pirates earlier in the tournament. This victory was a milestone for Magesi, marking their first-ever Carling Knockout Cup win, an achievement that left many football fans in awe.
In the post-match interview, Mnqgithi acknowledged that if his key players had stepped up, the outcome could have been different. He believed that Mudau, in particular, could have made a crucial difference by preventing the dangerous cross from Chirambadare. Sundowns now face questions about their inability to deliver on the big stage, and Mnqgithi’s criticism highlights the pressure on the team to perform at their best in such crucial moments.
