Update on Yanga’s South African analyst after Romain Folz’s exit

Romain Folz and South African analyst Thulani Thekiso. Picture: Supplied.

Following Romain Folz’s departure from Yanga SC, here’s an update on South African analyst Thulani Thekiso. Thekiso joined the Young Africans ahead of the 2025/26 season after quitting his job at Cape Town City FC.

The ex-PSL coach had recommended him to the reigning Tanzania Premier League champions, who were restructuring their technical staff following the departure of their interim coach. Miloud Hamdi left at the end of last season, having stepped in temporarily after the sudden exit of Sead Ramovic.

Folz, who had previously worked with Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu FC, was sacked by the club after their 1-0 loss to Malawi side Silver Strikers in the CAF Champions League. This was his first loss since taking over, having guided them to the Community Shield, where they beat bitter rivals Simba SC.

IS THULANI THEKISO STAYING AT YANGA SC AFTER FOLZ’S DEPARTURE

Romain Folz and South African analyst Thulani Thekiso. Picture: Supplied.

FARPost has established that Thekiso will remain with the team following Folz’s departure. The club will now be under the tutelage of former Kaizer Chiefs captain and assistant coach Patrick Mabedi.

The Jangwani giants have announced that they are actively searching for a permanent head coach to replace the Frenchman. In the meantime, Mabedi will work closely with Thekiso. Thekiso replaced another South African performance analyst, Mpho Maruping, who left to join CR Belouizdad in Algeria, where he reunited with Ramovic.

He is highly experienced, having also worked with Banyana Banyana, Sekhukhune United, and the University of Pretoria in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Thekiso was part of the Babina Noko squad that achieved a historic first by reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stages and finished fourth in the league that season.

Meanwhile, assistant coach Manu Rodriguez, veteran Tunisian goalkeeper coach Majdi Mnasria, and Tshepang Mokaila, the club’s strength and conditioning coach, are all expected to stay at the club. Paul Matthews, who assumed the position of technical director, is also staying put.