Manqoba Mngqithi wins first trophy as Young Africans SC boss

Manqoba Mngqithi began his tenure at Young Africans SC by guiding the club to victory over Simba SC in the Tanzanian Community Shield.

Young Africans SC beat Simba SC 1-0 in a closely fought Kariakoo Derby to give the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows head coach an immediate trophy in Tanzania.

The match brought together the winners of the country’s two major competitions. Young Africans SC qualified as Tanzania Premier League champions, while Simba SC earned their place after winning the CRDB Federation Cup.

It was the first meeting between Mngqithi and Steve Barker in the Kariakoo Derby, with Mngqithi emerging victorious in the contest between the two South African coaches.

The result gave Mngqithi the perfect start to his time in charge of Young Africans SC and secured the first silverware of the new season for the club.

Young Africans SC’s success also moved them level with Simba SC at the top of the Community Shield honours list. The victory was their 10th in the competition, matching Simba SC’s record total.

It was also Young Africans SC’s third consecutive win in the Community Shield. Simba SC were the last side to lift the trophy before that run, having won the competition in 2023.

For Barker and Simba SC, the defeat ended a remarkable domestic unbeaten run. The club had gone more than 30 matches without losing in domestic competitions since the former Stellenbosch FC coach took charge.

That streak came to an end in the season-opening meeting with their biggest rivals, as Mngqithi’s side claimed the narrow victory and the trophy.

The Community Shield served as the opening contest of the Tanzania Premier League season, placing the league champions and cup winners against one another before the domestic campaign begins in earnest.

For Young Africans SC, the 1-0 result not only delivered an early honour but also strengthened their position alongside Simba SC as the competition’s record champions. For Mngqithi, it marked a winning introduction to Tanzanian football and his first major success since taking over at the club.