Manqoba Mngqithi has made his first major move since taking charge of Young Africans, attempting to hijack Keletso Makgalwa’s impending transfer to fierce rivals Simba SC, FARPost has established. Simba had reached an agreement with Sekhukhune United after meeting the club’s asking price for the 29-year-old winger.
The two clubs have already signed the transfer agreement, and Makgalwa has also verbally agreed to personal terms with the Wekundu wa Msimbazi. On Friday night, the move appeared to be entering its final stages, with Simba head coach Steve Barker playing a key role in convincing the attacker to join his ambitious project in Tanzania.
However, the situation has now taken an unexpected turn. FARPost understands that Mngqithi has held discussions with Makgalwa following his appointment at Young Africans, which could change the direction of the player’s future.
Sources close to the negotiations have indicated that the experienced coach is keen to reunite with the winger, with the long-standing relationship between the two now emerging as a significant factor.
MNGQITHI AND MAKGALWA GO BACK A DECADE
The pair first worked together at Mamelodi Sundowns after Makgalwa was promoted to the club’s senior team in the 2016/17 season, when Mngqithi was serving as Pitso Mosimane’s assistant coach.
Mngqithi was part of the technical team overseeing the winger’s transition to first-team football, and the two have maintained mutual respect over the years. While Simba have an agreement with Sekhukhune, sources say Makgalwa is now seriously considering linking up with his former coach instead. The coming days are expected to be decisive as the player weighs two attractive offers from Tanzania’s biggest clubs.
According to Tanzanian pundit Salum Pelembo, Yanga have a glaring gap on the left wing, where Makgalwa could easily fit in. With Pacome Zouzoua sidelined for an extended period following his recent horrific injury, the Jangwani giants are seeking a winger.
On the other hand, Simba have top wingers who have been doing well, including Congolese Elie Mpanzu and Senegalese Libasse Gueye. They also have Anicet Oura, with whom Barker worked at Stellenbosch SC. Makgalwa enjoyed an impressive two-year spell at Sekhukhune United, scoring six goals and laying 20 assists in 66 appearances across all competitions.
MNGQITHI EXCITED TO BE BACK IN THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Reacting to the appointment on SABC, Mnqgithi said he was excited about being back in the CAF Champions League. He was part of the Sundowns team that won the first star in 2016.
“It’s always exciting; I just wanted to be back in the Champions League space and see what can happen at an ambitious club that is willing to try to bring in players to make sure that we can achieve our objectives. [It’s] a very professional setup that is very encouraging for me. It’s something that I’ve always been looking forward to, being back in the Champions League, to see how far I can take the East of Africa in the Champions League.”
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