Mngqithi talks up coach Klate as veteran meets novice in Sundowns-Chippa showdown

DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns have endured a mixed start to the season, sitting fourth in the standings following a 2-1 defeat to rivals SuperSport United last Friday.

But Wednesday they have the chance to get their campaign back on track with a visit to Chippa United in what could be a tricky encounter.

The Chilli Boys are anchored at the bottom of the log and will be desperate to collect points against Masandawana at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Despite Chippa's poor start to the season Downs co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi is wary of his opponents and full of praise for his counterpart Daine Klate.   

"It's encouraging how Daine (Chippa United Coach) has done with that team," Mngqithi told the club's media department.

"Daine has structured that team correctly, they are very offensive, they don't only play on the break."

Klate is in his first season as a top-flight coach but there are already questions about how long the former Orlando Pirates winger will remain in charge.

Chippa's owner Siviwe Mpengesi is well known for chopping and changing coaches when his club's fortunes have gone sour.

However, speaking about Chippa's previous game where they fell defeat to Golden Arrows, Mngqithi felt that Klate's side quality showed even in defeat. 

"Unfortunately, even in the game against Golden Arrows they had a wonderful second half," Mngqithi continued. 

"Their first-half let them down, but they improved tremendously in the second half, which shows the quality of the coaching.

"We are expecting a very tough match but a match that we know very well as Sundowns we are expected to win."

Meanwhile, Mngqithi says despite Sundowns underwhelming start to the season, the mood in the dressing room is not a concern.  

"The mood is