Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has reached another significant milestone in his coaching career after guiding Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC into the CAF Champions League group stages.

Mngqithi has made a promising start since taking charge of Yanga, winning the Community Shield before leading the club through the qualifying rounds of Africa’s most prestigious club competition. His latest achievement has strengthened the focus on his work in Tanzania as he looks to establish the team among the continent’s leading sides.

Young Africans secured qualification after defeating Madagascar’s CFFA 4-1 in the second leg of their second preliminary-round encounter on Wednesday. The result gave the Tanzanian outfit a commanding 8-1 aggregate victory, confirming their place in the next stage of the competition.

Ibrahim Kazimoto opened the scoring in the 27th minute, giving Yanga an early advantage in the match. The home side continued to apply pressure after the interval, with Selemani Mwalimu finding the back of the net twice in the 49th and 53rd minutes.

CFFA managed to score a consolation goal in the 75th minute, but teenager Juma Issa Abushuri restored Yanga’s momentum when he scored in the 82nd minute. His goal completed the 4-1 victory and ensured that the Tanzanian club progressed comfortably.

For Mngqithi, qualification represents another important step as he continues his coaching journey beyond South African football. The group stages will provide Young Africans with an opportunity to compete against some of Africa’s strongest clubs while pursuing their ambitions on the continental stage.

Mngqithi’s Reported Kaizer Chiefs Decision Draws Attention

While his achievements in Tanzania have attracted attention, Mngqithi has also remained a talking point among South African football supporters because of reports concerning a potential coaching opportunity at Kaizer Chiefs.

According to the account attributed to Mngqithi, he previously turned down an opportunity to coach the Soweto giants because of concerns about the club’s proposed transfer budget.

The reported figure was R20 million for the recruitment of seven players. Mngqithi allegedly considered that amount insufficient to strengthen the squad to the level he believed would be necessary to compete effectively.

His reported comments drew comparisons with his experience at Mamelodi Sundowns, where R20 million could potentially be spent on recruiting a single player from the Premier Soccer League.

However, the details of the alleged offer have not been independently confirmed. The reported explanation should therefore be treated with caution rather than viewed as a confirmed agreement between Mngqithi and Kaizer Chiefs.

What Comes Next for Young Africans?

For now, Mngqithi’s immediate focus will be preparing Young Africans for the challenges of the CAF Champions League group stages. The competition will test the team against stronger opposition and require consistency, tactical discipline and effective squad management.

His experience in South African football, particularly during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns, could prove valuable as Yanga pursue further continental success.

The qualification also gives Mngqithi an opportunity to demonstrate his coaching ability in a different football environment while building on his achievements in Tanzania.

As Young Africans prepare for the next stage, supporters will be watching closely to see whether the team can maintain its momentum against Africa’s top clubs. Meanwhile, the discussion surrounding his reported Kaizer Chiefs decision is likely to continue, particularly among fans debating the financial resources required to build a competitive squad in South African football.

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