DAR ES SALAAM: MANQOBA Mngqithi’s tenure at Young Africans has come to an end following a disappointing run in the Mainland Premier League, with the club terminating the head coach’s contract a day after their draw against TRA United.

The decision, announced in a statement issued through the club’s social media platforms on behalf of the chief executive, also saw fitness coach Chyna Mokaila leave the club.

Yanga managed just one point from their last two league matches, suffering defeat against arch-rivals Simba before being held by TRA United, a sequence that proved costly for Mngqithi. The South African had defended his players’ effort after the stalemate, insisting that they had done enough in terms of commitment but lacked the cutting edge to turn their dominance into victory.

“We tried; we pushed them. From the first whistle, we tried to stay in their half and force possibilities, but we did not get anything,” Mngqithi said.

He also urged supporters to give credit to their opponents, describing TRA United as a well-organised side capable of troubling any team in the league.

“I think it’s one very, very constructive team that has got the potential to upset anyone,” he added.

Mngqithi was satisfied with his players’ work rate but acknowledged that failing to create clear-cut chances and convert them had denied the defending champion’s victory. TRA United head coach Hemed Suleiman, meanwhile, praised his players for executing their game plan against a side he recognised as having superior individual quality.

Suleiman explained that his team initially adopted a middle block to limit Yanga’s attacking options before looking to exploit spaces on the counter-attack.

TRA created several opportunities in the first half but failed to capitalise before adjusting their approach after the break.

“We started with a middle block, trying to push forward on counter-attacks. We created two or three chances in the first half but could not use them,” Suleiman said.

As Yanga increased the tempo, TRA United eventually dropped into a low block to protect their point. For the visitors, the draw represented a valuable result against the defending champions.

For Yanga, however, it proved to be Mngqithi’s final match in charge. The club said the process of appointing a new head coach had already begun and was expected to be completed soon, leaving the reigning champions facing a crucial decision as they seek to revive their league campaign.