Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Manqoba Mngqithi Defends Joining Fans Who Invaded Pitch After Nedbank Cup Final Win

• Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi was unbothered by the fans who invaded the pitch following the team's Nedbank Cup final defeat of Marumo Gallants
• Hundreds of jubilant fans ran onto the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace pitch after the referee blew the whistle, with the match ending 2-1 in the Brazilians' favour
• Mngqithi left the safety of the team huddle which was surrounded by security to mingle with the Sundowns fan

The end of the Nedbank Cup final was marred by jubilant Mamelodi Sundowns fans who ran onto the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace pitch to celebrate the 2-1 victory over Marumo Gallants.

Co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi was reportedly seen joining the throngs of fans on the field, leaving the safety of the security surrounding the players. This move was risky because of the unpredictability of the situation.

However, he told Sports24 that it was necessary he did so, saying:

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"I felt it was necessary for me to do so as the leader of the technical team, especially after the bad situation on the pitch. Leaving the stadium without saying thank you, we realised it's been a hard season and at times, they would come to the stadium and be outside and bang their drum and sing in support.

"So for us to win the treble and leave the stadium without thanking them for their support, it wouldn't have been fair from my side. That's why I took the initiative to do what I did, even though it would have been dangerous for someone else to do so."

South African football has seen more unsavoury incidents in recent years when it comes to fans invading the pitch. In 2012, Sundowns fans were far less peaceful, storming onto the Dobsonville Stadium pitch following a 2-0 defeat by Moroka Swallows, as reported on SowetanLIVE.

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Then in 2017, Soccer Laduma reported that Orlando Pirates fans attempted to attack their own players during a humiliating 6-0 loss to Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld.

According to IOL, the madness did not let up when in 2018, irate Kaizer Chiefs supporters invaded the Moses Mabhida pitch after the team was knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by Free State Stars.

Mamelodi Sundowns make history as Masandawana wrap up stellar season by securing domestic clean sweep

It’s been a season to remember for Mamelodi Sundowns.

As reported by Sports Brief, Masandawana wrapped up the domestic treble with victory in the Nedbank Cup final as the team completed a clean sweep of all the trophies available in South Africa.

Orlando Pirates are the only other South African side to achieve a domestic treble.