Mngqithi blames ‘unprofessionalism’ for early Yanga exit

Manqoba Mngqithi says Young Africans must address a culture of player power and indiscipline after ending his three-month spell at the Tanzanian club.

The South African coach left Yanga this week despite guiding them into the CAF Champions League group stages and keeping them within five points of league leaders and fierce rivals Simba SC.

Mngqithi rejected the suggestion that his dismissal was simply the result of poor results, saying deeper problems existed within the club.

Speaking exclusively to Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified with Andile Ncube, the former Mamelodi Sundowns manager described Yanga as being in “a very serious transition”.

“That transition needs a little bit of strength and power from the coach and the management to eradicate unprofessionalism,” he said.

Mngqithi claimed some players at Yanga could miss training without facing significant disciplinary action, a situation he believes is damaging the club.

“The team needs to improve that level of professionalism,” he said. “At Yanga, it’s normal for a player not to come to training, and there are not many disciplinary actions, and I think those aspects are fundamentally destroying the club.”

Disagreements with Yanga hierarchy

Mngqithi said he repeatedly disagreed with the club’s leadership over how such behaviour was handled.

He argued that players had a responsibility to fulfil their contractual duties and should face consequences when they failed to do so.

“The club must understand that the players are paid to do their work. It should never compromise in that aspect,” he said.

“It is my wish and desire, one which I also shared with the leadership of the club, that the team must grow and players must face consequences if they don’t respect their jobs.

“I think that’s the biggest issue, more than anything else, and it’s an issue that myself and the management would always have issues around because I cannot accept a player who does not come to work, and it’s normal.”

His departure came after only three months in charge, despite Yanga making progress in continental competition and remaining close to Simba SC in the league standings.

Aziz Ki reports

Mngqithi also responded to reports in Tanzania that his relationship with midfielder Aziz Ki had broken down.

Aziz Ki joined Yanga after pre-season, and reports suggested the coach’s decision-making over the player had contributed to tensions inside the club.

Mngqithi denied that the issue was simply about whether he selected Aziz Ki, but suggested the player may have expressed reservations about his tactical system to members of the 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 as soon as 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.”