Why was Chiefs-linked Mngqithi FIRED by Yanga SC?

Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi recently parted ways with Tanzanian heavyweights Yanga SC just a couple of months after taking the reign.

In the 13 games he was in charge of, the ex-Golden Arrows tactician helped Wananchi win 10 including the Tanzanian Community Shield. Furthermore, the 55-year-old steered the team to the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

His shocking exit has raised questions, and the experienced coach was quick to clear the air.

It was all about principles

“I wouldn’t really want to say what happened at Yanga, you know me better, I would say it was just a matter of principles,” Mngqithi told SNAWA.

Manqoba Mngqithi - Image: Yanga SC — Manqoba Mngqithi – Image: Yanga SC

“It was at a stage where I wanted to make sure that as well that my principles, beliefs, ethics stay intact and that basically was the reason why we parted ways.

“I have a lot of respect for Yanga, fans, players, my staff but it just as a matter of principle, maybe it would be the best thing to be where we are. There were things that happened prior to the decision being taken, which were probably the reasons that decision ended up being taken.

“There were things that happened prior to the match of Simba, the match against TRA but already would leave a sour taste that would result in us being where we are,” Mngqithi, who has been linked with Kaizer Chiefs severally, added.

The Ki issue

Reports have it that Mngqithi fell out with Aziz Ki which could have affected the relationship between him and the management.

“I wouldn’t think it had anything to do with football because I respect everybody there. The team was good to me, the president was good to me, my staff worked very hard, we achieved most of our targets,” he further explained.

Clement Mzize and Aziz Ki Yanga SC — Clement Mzize and Aziz Ki, Image – Yanga SC

“We were unfortunate in a game against Simba. I don’t think it would boil down to football. But there are some things in football, more especially at my level of coaching, you can take and some that you can’t take.

“I don’t think the issue revolves around me playing Aziz, and I would be lying if I said that; I don’t want to create the wrong impression.

“The reality is the management knew that as soon as Aziz was going to be important for the club. What I can tell you what I think is the case – is that it is possible Aziz might have spoken to some members of management to indicate that he would not like to play in my system,” Mngqithi concluded.