Mngqithi and Barker guide Tanzanian clubs towards CAF Champions League success

South African coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Barker have strengthened their clubs’ hopes in the CAF Champions League after commanding victories in the preliminary rounds.

Mngqithi’s Young Africans secured their place in the group stages with an emphatic 8-1 aggregate win against Madagascar champions CFFA.

Young Africans completed the job with a 4-1 victory in the second leg, having already taken a 4-0 advantage from the opening encounter. The result underlined their authority in the tie and issued a warning to the rest of the competition as the Tanzanian giants prepare for the next stage.

The progress continues a strong continental campaign for Mngqithi, who is leading the former Mamelodi Sundowns side during its Champions League run.

Barker’s Simba SC were equally impressive, producing a dominant away performance against Equatorial Guinea club 15 de Agosto in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie.

Simba won 6-1, putting themselves in a commanding position before Sunday’s return match.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Keletso Makgalwa was among the scorers, netting Simba’s fourth goal. It was his second goal since joining the Tanzanian club and another indication of his growing influence in the side.

The result leaves Barker’s team firmly in control of the tie ahead of the second leg. The former Stellenbosch FC tactician will now look to complete the job and move closer to the group stages.

With Mngqithi already having guided Young Africans through and Barker’s Simba SC holding a substantial advantage, South African coaching influence is becoming increasingly prominent in the continental competition.