Manqoba Mngqithi has been officially announced as the new head coach of Tanzanian giant Young Africans. The club confirmed his arrival through its official social media pages on Friday evening.
Recently, Mngqithi left the Golden Arrows team after managing the KwaZulu-Natal side to secure a top-eight finish in the Betway Premiership table. His departure caused significant buzz on social media, sparking rumors about his potential appointment to various high-ranking positions, including a possible reunion with Pitso Mosimane.
It was previously reported that Mosimane might return to Bafana Bafana, and it was speculated that Mngqithi would take up the role of his deputy, reviving a partnership that brought trophies to Mamelodi Sundowns. However, the 55-year-old tactician decided to test himself outside of South Africa, beginning an international career in the Tanzanian Premier League with Yanga.
Mngqithi leaves South Africa with a very successful domestic track record accumulated during his time at Sundowns and a memorable spell at Arrows, where he won the MTN8 title in 2009. Now, working at Yanga, he faces the challenge of adding even more trophies to his resume. Young Africans are considered undisputed giants of East African football, boasting a collection of 27 league championships, seven Tanzanian Cups, and nine Tanzanian Super Cups. As reigning champions, Mngqithi must retain the league title.
The task will not be easy, as he is set to face stiff competition from local rival Simba SC, which is led by South African coach Steve Barker. Barker, who previously performed successfully at Stellenbosch FC, maintains a strong and healthy rivalry with Mngqithi dating back to their time working together in the PSL.
Mngqithi's move joins a growing group of South African coaches working overseas. Among them is Rhulani Mokwena—his colleague, assistant coach, and future successor at Sundowns—who is currently coaching the Libyan club Al Ittihad.
