Former Young Africans SC head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the Tanzanian giants, suggesting that factors beyond poor results may have contributed to the end of his short spell at the club.

The South African tactician, who parted ways with Yanga in October 2026, believes there may have been other issues behind the decision to terminate his contract, despite his relatively impressive record during his time in charge.

According to a report published by Tanzanian outlet Mwanaspoti on October 26, Mngqithi questioned whether results alone explained his departure and suggested that events behind the scenes may have played a role.

“I do not believe my contract with Yanga was terminated only because of poor results. In my view, there were other things involved, and I genuinely feel that someone may have worked against me,” Mngqithi was quoted as saying.

His comments have raised questions about the internal challenges facing the club as it prepares for the remainder of the 2026/27 campaign.

Mngqithi joined Young Africans in July 2026 after leaving South African side Golden Arrows. He arrived with considerable experience, having previously worked at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he was part of a successful technical team.

During his brief tenure in Tanzania, the coach guided Yanga to victory in the Community Shield and helped the team qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage.

According to The Guardian in Tanzania, Mngqithi recorded 10 victories, two draws and one defeat in 13 competitive matches.

However, consecutive setbacks in the domestic league increased the pressure on his position.

Yanga suffered a 2-1 defeat against their fierce rivals Simba SC in the Kariakoo Derby before being held to a goalless draw by TRA United on October 24.

The results left the defending champions five points behind Simba in the league standings, with the club subsequently announcing its decision to part ways with the South African coach.

Although the results contributed to speculation about the reasons for his departure, Yanga did not publicly provide a detailed explanation for ending his tenure.

Mngqithi has maintained that there could be more to his departure than the team's performances on the pitch.

He acknowledged the importance of results in football but suggested that decisions made away from the field could also influence a club's direction.

His comments have added another dimension to the discussion surrounding his exit, particularly given the achievements he recorded during his short stay.

However, his suggestion that someone may have worked against him remains an allegation and has not been independently established.

Young Africans must now focus on finding a replacement capable of restoring consistency in the league while maintaining the club's ambitions in continental competition.

The Tanzanian giants have enjoyed domestic success in recent seasons, and expectations among supporters remain high.

Mngqithi's departure also highlights the pressure that comes with managing a club where winning trophies and challenging for the league title are major expectations.

Despite his exit, the coach leaves behind a Community Shield triumph and qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage.

For Yanga, the immediate challenge will be to close the gap on Simba and establish stability in the technical department.

Meanwhile, Mngqithi's comments have left supporters wondering whether his departure was driven entirely by disappointing league results or whether other factors contributed to the decision.

Source: https://x.com/Soccer_Laduma/status/2115338536870191488