Manqoba Mngqithi: What I like about playing Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns co-head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed what he likes about playing opponents like Orlando Pirates.

Oct 22, 2022 - 11:31

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Manqoba Mngqithi: What I like about playing Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns co-head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed what he likes about playing opponents like Orlando Pirates.

A titanic clash awaits as Masandawana play host to the Buccaneers in the MTN8 semi-final second leg on Saturday afternoon.

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Earlier this month, the first leg, which was played in front of a sold-out crowd at the home yard of Ezimnyama Ngenkani, Orlando Stadium, ended in a goalless draw.

Once again, the tickets have been sold out for the second tie – as reported by The South African.

Mngqithi says he likes to play opponents who also want to win the game and don’t sit back.

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MNGQITHI ON PLAYING PIRATES

“I like playing big matches, I don’t want to lie to you, I hate these matches where you go and you’re already expected to win because it is in those matches where you get surprised and humbled,” Mngqithi told reporters as quoted by TimesLIVE.

“I want a game of football where it’s a contest and everybody wants to get the result, maybe by dominating the ball. In the previous match Pirates really did what they were supposed to do to win the match.

“They got more chances to win and that, for me, is always an inspiration to say what did we do wrong. We’ll dig deeper and say how best can we improve in that aspect. If the truth is told, this is a match we also have an interest to watch unfold.

“When you’re playing a big match you know everybody is motivated to play that match from the players’ side. You, as a coach, you dig a little bit deeper, you want to try to understand exactly what makes this particular team regarded as a big team compared to other teams that maybe are regarded as smaller teams.

“It makes you more meticulous in looking at exactly what is happening that makes them have the respect they have. You want to win that match as a coach and the players want to win.

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‘PIRATES PLAY GOOD FOOTBALL’

“I believe Pirates are playing good football. I will not want to take that away from them. But I also believe we play good football. And that, as somebody who is a student of the game and who likes good football, is what I want in those matches.

“I don’t want matches where the other one is sitting and does not want to play while the other one is playing.”