Manqoba Mngqithi attracts interest as coaching return remains possible

Manqoba Mngqithi has attracted interest from clubs in South Africa and abroad after leaving Young Africans, with the former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach open to returning to management this season if the right opportunity arises.

Mngqithi’s departure from Young Africans, also known as Yanga, towards the end of October came as a surprise. The KwaZulu-Natal-born coach said deep internal problems at the East African club were the main reason for his decision, following an interview with Metro FM Sports.

The former Golden Arrows coach was soon linked with a possible move to Kaizer Chiefs, who had been eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup in the preliminary stages.

Those reports emerged as pressure grew around the club, but Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr subsequently issued a strongly worded statement backing the French coach and reaffirming the club’s faith in, and commitment to, the project.

Mngqithi was then mentioned in connection with a possible return to Mamelodi Sundowns. Reports suggested the 55-year-old could replace Miguel Cardoso, potentially working alongside Steve Komphela as part of a co-coaching arrangement until the end of the season.

The speculation followed Sundowns’ elimination from the CAF Champions League in the preliminary stages.

However, the Sundowns hierarchy were also reported to be supporting Cardoso’s continuation in the role. Doubt over the coaching position at Chloorkop has persisted as the Portuguese manager faces increasing pressure.

That uncertainty intensified after Sundowns suffered a 3-1 defeat by USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup final this past Sunday. A subsequent report claiming that the Tshwane club had approached former Egypt coach Hossam Hassan with an offer shortly after the defeat added to the suggestions of instability around the coaching position.

KickOff understands that Mngqithi has received interest from potential employers both within South Africa and beyond the country’s borders. The identities of the clubs have not been disclosed, with the source warning that it remains too early in the process.

The publication has also gathered that the Umzimkhulu-born coach would consider returning to the dugout during the current season, but only if the project meets his expectations.

Mngqithi left Sundowns after a lengthy association with the club and later took charge of Young Africans, before his spell in East Africa ended in October. His name has since continued to feature in discussions about possible coaching changes at leading South African clubs.