Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi's leadership style has come under scrutiny, begging the question: Are the players in a comfort zone under the former Golden Arrows mentor's reign?
After back-to-back defeats to Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 semi-finals, both by a 1-0 scoreline, the body language of the Sundowns players was questioned, over and above the new playing system introduced.
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During his tenure at the club, Rulani Mokwena was a demanding coach, often on the case of players, and it appeared Masandawana have been going through the motions somewhat under the new man in charge in the early stages of the season.
Mngqithi, unlike his predecessor, cuts a measured figure during matches, who hardly reacts on the bench, with some among the fan base interpreting his demeanour as that of a leader minus the personality to manage a big team.
However, goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams says they do understand the 53-year-old and are prepared to give a response, even though he does not get worked up when things are not going their way.
"Amazing guy, very straight to the point, he doesn't have too many talks. He tries to get his point across as quickly as possible, make things simple," Williams said on 947's MSW.
"He's got his way of doing things and yes, we need to adjust and we have been adjusting as a team. You could see things are getting better the last few weeks.
"I watched him after we got knocked out [of the MTN8] and to see his response and he has been so calm. He highlighted all the good things we've done and bad things. But the good overweighs the bad, but no one would see that way. And I was like, I like the direction he's taking.
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"Because it's easy to criticise players and criticise everything, but it's not as bad as people think, honestly speaking," Williams added.
The Tshwane giants will be 'away' to Mbabane Swallows in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, before starting the defence of their Betway Premiership title against SuperSport United next Tuesday.