Manqoba Mngqithi says ‘principles’ led to early Young Africans departure

South African coach Manqoba Mngqithi says his decision to leave Young Africans was driven by a need to protect his principles, beliefs and ethics rather than by footballing concerns.

Mngqithi joined the Tanzanian club at the beginning of the campaign after previously managing Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows. His short spell began successfully, with Young Africans winning the Tanzanian Community Shield and reaching the CAF Champions League group stages.

The team also recorded 10 victories in 13 matches in all competitions before the coach’s departure.

Mngqithi said he retained great respect for Young Africans, despite the decision to end his time at the club.

“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,” he told SNAWA.

“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 are things that happened’

Asked whether he had initiated the split, Mngqithi referred to events that took place before the decision was made.

“There were things that happened prior to the decision being taken, which were probably the reasons that decision ended up being taken,” he said.

“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 rejected the suggestion that his departure was linked to his coaching ability or the team’s performances. He said Young Africans had supported him, while his staff had worked hard and the club had achieved most of its targets.

“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 continued.

“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.”

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach also responded to reports of tension between himself and Young Africans forward Stephane Aziz Ki.

Mngqithi denied that the dispute centred on whether he selected Aziz Ki, but suggested the player may have expressed concerns about fitting into his tactical approach.

“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,” he said.

“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.”