By Ayanda Nyuswa

Gaagsi FM Sports specialist Mike Makaab has commented on the rumours linking his client and Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Manqoba Mngqithi with a move to Kaizer Chiefs when his contract expires at the end of June at Masandawana.

The Sundowns assistant coach has been linked with a move to the Soweto giants in recent seasons, as a result of the uncertainty around his future at Chloorkop. Kaizer Chiefs are still searching for a permanent coach to take over the reins from interim mentor Cavin Johnson who has had to come in and steady the ship after the sacking of Molefi Ntseki. Mngqithi is currently in his 11th season with the Pretoria giants in what has been a period of unprecedented success where the club enjoyed domestic dominance and continental success. He served as assistant coach to Pitso Mosimane for nine years before moving over to a co-coaching role alongside Rhulani Mokwena and Steve Komphela. However, last season Manqoba was demoted back to the assistant coaching role with Mokwena taking over as head coach.

“I have heard a lot of rumours expressing that interest (Kaizer Chiefs) but I can tell you as I am sitting here, we have not had a formal approach from Kaizer Chiefs for Manqoba,” Said Makaab speaking on Extratime on Gagasi FM.

“I don’t think the onus should sit on us to make that approach. It’s a different story if we were introducing a football coach that is not known to clubs in this country, but I don’t think we should make a formal move unless there is interest, a genuine interest from the club itself not through the media.”

The experienced football agent reiterated that Mngqithi is still in talks with Sundowns for a new contract, as he has a genuine interest in remaining at the club. Makaab believes there is a lot happening inside the club, with the busy fixture schedule towards the end of the 2023/24 season, which has resulted in talks being delayed but all formalities should be concluded in the next few weeks.

“We are still in discussions with Mamelodi Sundowns, Manqoba is committed to the club. If the club is keen on retaining his services, which I believe there is a big chance of that happening, then Manqoba will stay at Mamelodi Sundowns. What I did agree with the club is that we would only discuss this after the semi final of the Nedbank Cup so it is my intention to meet with the club this week, my intention to meet with Manqoba this week as well and hopefully more clarity and finality will be on the cards during the course of next week. Whatever happens, a decision has to be made sooner than later.”