Champions League Was A Big Draw – Mngqithi

Newly appointed Young Africans coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed that the opportunity to return to the CAF Champions League and the club’s ambition were the key factors behind his decision to join the Tanzanian Premier League champions.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach was unveiled as the new head coach of the Wananchi on Friday after recently parting ways with Golden Arrows.

Mngqithi replaces Argentine strategist Miguel Ángel Gamondi, who parted ways with the Dar es Salaam giants despite securing domestic dominance, raising the stakes for immediate continental success.

Mngqithi guided Abafana Bes’thende back into the Betway Premiership top eight for the first time in four seasons after taking charge of the club in March 2025.

Speaking to SABC Sport, the 55-year-old said returning to the CAF Champions League has always been one of his biggest ambitions since leaving Sundowns.

“It’s always exciting. I just wanted to be back in the Champions League space and see what can happen,” he said.

“I’m at a club that is willing to bring in players to make sure that we achieve our objectives. It’s a very professional setup, which is very encouraging for me.

“It’s something that I’ve always looked forward to — being back in the Champions League and seeing how far I can take East African football in the competition.”

Young Africans qualified for next season’s CAF Champions League after winning the Tanzanian Premier League title. It is a competition Mngqithi knows well, having won it in 2016 as Pitso Mosimane’s assistant coach at Sundowns.

The Umzimkhulu-born coach’s last match in the competition came in December 2024, when Sundowns drew 1-1 with Moroccan side AS FAR. He was dismissed as head coach shortly afterwards and was later replaced by Miguel Cardoso.