COACH Manqoba Mngqithi showers Mamelodi Sundowns with praise.
This after his Golden Arrows side suffered a 2-1 defeat in their Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium midweek.
Despite the loss, the Arrows mentor was full of admiration for his former club, describing Sundowns as "a team with unmatched depth and quality" in Mzansi football.
Mngqithi, who previously worked with the Brazilians during one of the club's most successful periods, said the Tshwane giants remain the strongest side in the league and are still title favourites.
"We were playing a very good team and we must give them the respect they deserve. For us to have even managed to beat Sundowns once this season, is something big. Many teams in this league struggle against them because they are such a strong side," he said.
The experienced coach said what makes Sundowns particularly dangerous is the quality they have throughout the squad.
Mngqithi said even the players who are not in the starting line-up could easily walk into most teams in the league.
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"I have always believed Sundowns have what it takes to win the league. If you look at the players who were not even on the bench, that team still has enough quality."
He added that the squad's depth allows them to maintain the same level of performance even when key players are missing.
"At other clubs, if one or two important players are not available, the team becomes weaker. But with Sundowns it's different. If one player is not there, another top-quality player steps in and the team continues performing at the same level."
Mngqithi also said healthy competition in the squad pushes players to work harder because everyone wants to earn a place in the team.
The Arrows mentor admitted that while other teams are trying to close the gap, including Orlando Pirates, Sundowns remain the benchmark.
"There is good competition in the league and teams are improving, but the reality is Sundowns are still a strong team," he said.
