Young Africans CEO Andre Mtine has set out the newly appointed head coach Manqoba Mngqithi’s mandate at the Tanzanian champions. Timu ya Wananchi confirmed the appointment of the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows coach on Friday as they gear up for the 2026/27 campaign.
Mngqithi arrives after Yanga secured a fifth consecutive Tanzanian Premier League title, but the club’s ambitions now extend beyond domestic honours, following their failure to progress from their CAF Champions League group last season.
Mtine revealed Mngqithi’s experience in the Champions League made him the ideal candidate to lead the club. He replaces Portuguese mentor Pedro Soares Gonçalves, who was axed before the end of the season. Interim coach Abdihamid Moallin stepped in after Gonçalves’ exit and guided the Jangwani giants to the league title.
“Coach Manqoba has had an incredible career. When we looked at the qualities we needed, we were talking about experience, particularly in African football. He has coached in the CAF Champions League before, and that’s something we value highly,” Mtine told FARPost.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI HANDED CLEAR MISSION
“We’ve had a relatively successful five years in league football, but we want to do better in the Champions League. We’ve reached the final [CAF Confederation Cup] only once in the last five years, and we’d like to become more consistent in competing at that level.
“To achieve that, we needed an experienced coach with a proven track record. We believe we’ve found the right fit to help us take the next step. We also appreciate his style of football. We think it suits Young Africans and African football.”
Mtine stressed that continental pedigree was a decisive factor in the club’s search for a new coach.
“Experience in the CAF Champions League and continental competitions is crucial. You simply can’t replace experience; you have to go through it to have it. That’s one of the qualities Coach Manqoba brings.”
Mngqithi was part of the Mamelodi Sundowns technical team that won the CAF Champions League in 2016 under Pitso Mosimane. He has featured regularly in continental competition during his time with the reigning African champions.
The 55-year-old mentor also revealed he was eager to return to continental football. “It’s always exciting,” Mngqithi told SABC Sport. “I just wanted to be back in the Champions League space and see what can happen. And an ambitious club that is willing to try and bring some players to make sure that we can achieve our objectives.”
KARIAKOO DERBY FEATURING SOUTH AFRICAN COACHES – STEVE BARKER & MANQOBA MNGQITHI
The KZN-born coach’s move to Dar es Salaam means two of Tanzania’s top clubs will be coached by South Africans. Steve Barker is at the helm of Simba SC, adding another intriguing chapter to one of African football’s fiercest club rivalries. The two coaches face off in the Community Shield next month.
Mtine believes the appointments reflect the growing reputation of South African coaches across Africa.
“The success of South African coaches outside their country speaks for itself. I think it started with Pitso Mosimane going to Al Ahly and winning the CAF Champions League. Since then, several other South African coaches have gone abroad and continued to do well.
“I think it’s recognition that the standard of coaching in South Africa is very high. Their success across the continent shows the quality of coaches the country continues to produce.”
RELATED STORY: Manqoba Mngqithi explains why he joined Young Africans
