Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has reached another milestone with Tanzanian giants Young Africans after guiding the club into the CAF Champions League group stages.

Mngqithi has enjoyed a promising start since taking charge of Yanga, winning the Community Shield before securing qualification for the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.

Young Africans sealed their place after defeating Madagascar’s CFFA 4-1 in the second leg of their second preliminary-round tie on Wednesday. The victory secured an emphatic 8-1 aggregate win over their opponents.

Ibrahim Kazimoto opened the scoring in the 27th minute, giving the home side an early advantage. Yanga maintained their momentum after the break, with Selemani Mwalimu scoring twice in quick succession in the 49th and 53rd minutes.

CFFA managed to pull one goal back in the 75th minute, but teenager Juma Issa Abushuri scored in the 82nd minute to complete the 4-1 victory and put the result beyond doubt.

The qualification represents another important achievement for Mngqithi as he continues his coaching career outside South Africa. Progression to the group stages will give Young Africans the opportunity to test themselves against some of the continent’s leading clubs as they pursue continental success.

Meanwhile, Mngqithi has also made headlines in South Africa following claims that he previously turned down an opportunity to coach Kaizer Chiefs because of concerns about the club’s proposed transfer budget.

According to his reported comments, Chiefs were prepared to allocate R20 million to recruit seven players, an amount he considered insufficient to strengthen the squad adequately. He reportedly compared the figure with his experience at Mamelodi Sundowns, where a similar amount could be spent on signing a single player from the Premier Soccer League.

The details of the alleged offer have not been independently confirmed, and the claims should therefore be treated as Mngqithi’s reported account rather than an established agreement.

For now, his progress with Young Africans places the focus firmly on his achievements in Tanzania. The next challenge will be maintaining the club’s momentum as the team prepares for the demands of the CAF Champions League group stages.

Mngqithi’s latest success adds another chapter to his coaching career, while his comments about Kaizer Chiefs have reignited discussion about transfer budgets and the resources needed to build competitive teams in South African football.

https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-champions-league/mngqithi-into-cafcl-group-stages/