Mngqithi: We were not ruthless enough

You are currently viewing Mngqithi: We were not ruthless enough
Manqoba Mngqithi, Head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns reacts during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 17 September 2024 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi admits that his side still has certain areas to improve despite claiming a victory over Tshwane rivals SuperSport United.

The Brazilians claimed the bragging rights in the Tshwane derby following their 2-0 victory over SuperSport at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Sundowns walked away with all the win and all three points courtesy of goals from Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

Mngqithi believes his side were not ruthless enough against United and failed to put away clear cut chances in the final third, although he was happy with their overall performance.

“That’s one area of our game that must still improve, I think we’re not ruthless enough, we create very good chances and for whatever reason, this pitch today was very slippery and we lost good opportunities from very good moments,” Mngqithi told SuperSport TV after the game.

“But we’re hoping that the team will improve because we must start converting those chances that we create,” he said.

He added: “They have not arrived, we still have a long way to go. I’m still not happy with the number of balls that we lose, unopposed, without any pressure. I’m still not happy with the speed of the ball, to try and get us into the right positions.

“But I’m happy with the fact that the team is creating a lot of opportunities, which is one thing I’ve always wanted to achieve and I’m very excited with the boys and I think they are coming alright.”