After Sundowns defeated SuperSport 2-0, rumors began to circulate around Benni McCarthy’s possible hiring as head coach.
In the much awaited Tshwane Derby on Tuesday night at Loftus Versfeld, Mamelodi Sundowns triumphed and demonstrated their dominance with a 2-0 victory against SuperSport United. This victory, which came in the first game of the 2024–2025 league season, demonstrated Sundowns’ tactical skill and tenacity.
The first half of Lacklustre sets the scene.
Fans were wishing for more action after the first half of the game. It was a really lackluster performance because neither team was able to carve out clear opportunities despite a sizable attendance. SuperSport United, who had just defeated Mbabane Swallows 4-0 in the CAF Champions League, came into the match with the intention of frustrating the home team.
At the beginning of the second half, Sundowns’ head coach Manqoba Mngqithi made crucial substitutions: he replaced Peter Shalulile, Lebogang Maboe, and Marcelo Allende with Tashreeq Matthews, Aubrey Modiba, and Themba Zwane. The onslaught gained additional momentum from the newly acquired legs.
With Zwane’s help, Iqraam Rayners scored his first league goal for Sundowns after just 15 minutes. With a goal assisted by Matthews, Lucas Ribeiro Costa increased the score to 2-0 to secure the victory. Sundowns controlled the latter moments of the game but were unable to increase their lead, thus the replacements turned out to be crucial.
SUMMARY OF THIS WIN FOR SUNDOWNS’ FUTURE COACHING?
McCarthy’s close buddy and current Betway Premiership coach indicated that talks between Sundowns and McCarthy are in progress. McCarthy is anticipated to travel to South Africa shortly in order to meet with a betting company and negotiate with Sundowns. Remarkably, rumours suggest that McCarthy was Sundowns’ fourth candidate for the position when he first met with officials in England.
Even while Sundowns’ performance ultimately met the high expectations placed on them, the outcome also begs the question of whether they will continue to coach. Benni McCarthy, a Manchester United striker coach and former Bafana Bafana forward, is apparently in the race to become the squad’s permanent head coach. The team is currently debating whether to make the appointment.
“Yes, Flemming Berg met with Benni last Thursday in London,” The South African was informed by a trustworthy source.
Following this thrilling victory that propels Sundowns to the top of the league, observers and supporters alike are anxiously awaiting more coaching changes. Will Sundowns search elsewhere for leadership, or will Benni McCarthy assume the reins?
