Manqoba Mngqithi explains why he joined Young Africans and his CAF Champions League ambition
Manqoba Mngqithi reveals the real reason he joined Young Africans as he targets CAF Champions League glory
Manqoba Mngqithi has opened up about the decision that has taken his coaching career beyond South Africa’s borders, revealing that the lure of competing in the CAF Champions League once again was impossible to ignore.
The experienced South African coach has been confirmed as the new head coach of Tanzanian powerhouse Young Africans, widely known as Yanga, marking a fresh chapter after his unexpected departure from Golden Arrows.
The appointment, announced on Friday night, places Mngqithi at the helm of one of East Africa’s most ambitious clubs, with expectations already building ahead of a new campaign that includes another assault on Africa’s premier club competition.
Speaking on SABC Sport, where he is currently serving as a FIFA World Cup analyst, Mngqithi shared his excitement after being asked about his new role during coverage of the Belgium versus Spain match.
Before discussing the move, the interview took a light-hearted turn when fellow analyst and Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune was jokingly suggested as a potential goalkeeping coach at Yanga.
Mngqithi laughed off the idea.
“No, this one will always be a Kaizer Chiefs legend, and I think the ancestors do not want him away from Kaizer Chiefs.”
The conversation soon shifted to the serious business behind his decision to accept Yanga’s offer.
For Mngqithi, the opportunity was about much more than simply taking another coaching position. It represented a chance to return to the CAF Champions League, a stage he believes offers the highest level of club football on the continent.
“It is always exciting. I wanted to be back in the CAF Champions League space and see what can happen,” said Mngqithi.
He also praised the club’s vision and professional environment, saying those factors convinced him that Young Africans was the right destination.
“I wanted to work with an ambitious club that wants to strengthen the squad and achieve its objectives. They have a professional setup, and that encouraged me.”
Mngqithi now inherits one of East Africa’s biggest football institutions, a club with a passionate fan base and consistent ambitions to challenge for honours both domestically and across the continent.
His arrival signals another significant moment in the growing influence of South African coaches across African football. Expectations will be high as he prepares to lead Young Africans into another CAF Champions League campaign, where the club hopes to establish itself among the continent’s elite.
For Mngqithi, the mission is clear. The opportunity to compete against Africa’s best, backed by an ambitious club with a professional structure, was simply too good to refuse.
