Manqoba Mngqithi’s Young Africans exit revives Kaizer Chiefs links

Manqoba Mngqithi’s departure from Young Africans has renewed speculation that the experienced South African coach could eventually be considered for the Kaizer Chiefs job.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Lamontville Golden Arrows coach became available after Young Africans ended his three-month spell in Tanzania, despite Mngqithi guiding the club into the CAF Champions League group stages.

His exit has come as Chiefs attempt to recover from a difficult start to the season, including an early elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup by Red Arrows.

Mngqithi previously confirmed that Chiefs had shown a genuine interest in appointing him before he moved to Tanzania in July. However, he said the proposed move was stopped before discussions about terms or a possible role could begin.

“Chiefs’ interest in me is not a lie, but it never came to fruition because there are people who block these moves,” Mngqithi said at the time.

He also disclosed that Chiefs’ interest dated back several years. As part of those discussions, he visited Naturena to present his coaching vision before later joining Sundowns’ technical team.

Despite that history, Mngqithi has never taken charge of Chiefs. Instead, he joined Young Africans after leaving Golden Arrows at the end of last season.

His time in Tanzania was short but brought some notable results. Mngqithi won the Community Shield and suffered only one defeat in 13 matches as Young Africans coach. He also helped the club reach the CAF Champions League group stages.

The club’s decision to part company with him followed a draw against TRA United, which left Young Africans five points behind rivals Simba in the league. That result came after a 2-1 defeat by Simba in the Kariakoo Derby earlier in October.

Mngqithi’s availability has naturally placed him back in discussions about the position at Naturena. However, there is no confirmation that Chiefs have approached him or are preparing to change their coach.

The club has publicly reiterated its support for head coach Fernando da Cruz and the technical team. Chiefs have also made clear that one disappointing result would not alter their long-term project.

That backing means talk of Mngqithi taking over remains speculative for now. Any change would require Chiefs to reconsider their current direction.

Mngqithi would bring extensive knowledge of South African football, experience of working at a title-winning club and a background covering several technical roles. Those qualities could make him a potential candidate if Chiefs decide to review their plans in the future.

For the moment, the key issue is not Mngqithi’s availability, but whether Chiefs’ long-standing interest will develop into a formal opportunity.

After years of discussions that never resulted in an appointment and a brief spell in Tanzania, Mngqithi’s name is again being linked with Naturena. Whether that interest leads to a coaching role remains uncertain.