Manqoba Mngqithi has returned to South Africa after being dismissed by Tanzanian club Young Africans SC, despite winning 10 of his 13 official matches in charge.
The South African coach’s three-month spell at Yanga SC ended abruptly last weekend. His departure came while the club were five points behind Simba SC on the log.
Mngqithi’s results included 10 victories, two draws and only one defeat. During that run, Yanga scored 27 goals and conceded seven.
The figures suggest his dismissal was not linked to the team’s performances since he took over, although the club’s management decided to end his tenure.
Mngqithi joined Young Africans SC before the start of the season after leaving Golden Arrows. He had been allowed to select his own backroom staff, appointing former players and coaches Kagisho Dikgacoi, Pitso Dladla and Greg Etafia.
Dikgacoi, Dladla and Etafia remain at Yanga following Mngqithi’s departure. Dladla will lead the technical team on an interim basis.
Mngqithi is now without a club and has been strongly linked with a possible move to Kaizer Chiefs. However, Kaizer Chiefs currently still have Fernando da Cruz as their coach.
The circumstances of Mngqithi’s dismissal have raised questions because of the consistency of Yanga’s results during his short time in charge. Despite the team’s goal record and the limited number of defeats, the club opted to make a change last weekend.
Mngqithi’s exit brings to an end his first season at Young Africans SC before he had completed a full campaign. His immediate future is now the subject of speculation, with Kaizer Chiefs mentioned as a possible destination while Fernando da Cruz remains in the role.
