Manqoba Mngqithi says principles led to Young Africans exit

South African coach Manqoba Mngqithi says his departure from Tanzanian champions Young Africans was driven by a clash of principles rather than footballing issues.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows coach joined the club at the start of the season and enjoyed an impressive spell, winning the Tanzanian Community Shield and guiding the team into the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

Mngqithi recorded 10 victories in 13 matches across all competitions before his unexpected departure.

Speaking on SNAWA, the 54-year-old said he was unwilling to compromise his beliefs, ethics and professional 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,” he said.

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

“I have a lot of respect for Yanga, the fans, players and my staff, but it was just a matter of principle. Maybe it would be best for us to be where we are.”

Mngqithi hints at tensions before departure

The South African coach suggested that events before his departure had contributed to the breakdown in his relationship with the club, although he stopped short of providing specific details.

Asked whether he had initiated the decision to leave, Mngqithi said there had been developments that ultimately influenced the outcome.

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

He also referred to incidents before matches against rivals Simba and TRA United, suggesting that tensions had already been building.

“There were things that happened prior to the match against Simba, the match against TRA, but already they would leave a sour taste that would result in us being where we are,” he added.

Mngqithi insisted that his exit was not a reflection of his coaching ability or the team’s performances, noting that he had enjoyed support from several people at the club.

“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 and we achieved most of our targets,” he said.

“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.”

Aziz Ki rumours addressed

Mngqithi also responded to speculation that his relationship with Young Africans forward Stephane Aziz Ki had contributed to his departure.

The coach rejected suggestions that the issue was simply about his decision to play the Burkina Faso international, but raised the possibility that the player may have expressed reservations about his tactical approach to members of the club’s management.

“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,” Mngqithi said.

“The reality is the management knew that 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.”