Newly appointed Young Africans SC head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained why he joined the Tanzania giants, revealing the one reason behind taking over the project in the East African country.
As first reported by FARPost, Mngqithi was recently unveiled as the head coach of Young Africans following his exit from Betway Premiership side Golden Arrows.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician parted ways with Arrows at the end of last season despite helping the club finish in the top eight on the league table in the 2025/26 campaign.
Mngqithi left the KZN-based side having taken over the coaching job in March 2025. The experienced mentor bagged the job at Arrows after parting company with Sundowns.
Before returning to Arrows for his third stint, Mngqithi spent over 10 years with Masandawana, having joined the Tshwane giants in 2013 to serve as an assistant coach to then-head coach Pitso Mosimane. During his spell at Sundowns, the 55-year-old also served in various roles, including assistant coach, co-coach, and sole head coach.
After being shown the door at Chloorkop, Mngqithi returned to Arrows and turned the club into a competitive side in the Premiership with their attacking brand of football.
Despite establishing Arrows as an exciting team, Mngqithi left the 2009 MTN8 champions, and he has since been replaced by former Durban City FC coach Pitso Dladla.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI EYEING CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SUCCESS WITH YOUNG AFRICANS
After closing the Arrows chapter, Mngqithi didn’t waste time moving to his next career journey following his unveiling as the new head coach of Yanga for the 2026/27 season on Friday.
Reflecting on his new coaching job, Mngqithi has revealed that Young Africans’ participation in the CAF Champions League is the one thing that enticed him.
“It’s always exciting [joining a new club]; I just wanted to be back in the Champions League and see what can happen,” Mngqithi said on SABC Sport.
“It’s an ambitious club that is willing to try and bring some players to make sure that we can achieve the objectives. Very professional set up and that’s 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 East Africa in the competition.”
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