Mngqithi demands more from Young Africans’ teenage midfielder Abushiri

Young Africans SC head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has criticised 18-year-old midfielder Juma Issa Abushiri after his side returned to the top of the NBC Premier League with a 4-0 victory over JKT Tanzania.

Mngqithi was visibly unhappy when discussing Abushiri’s performance after Monday’s match, warning the youngster that he must show greater commitment to the team and take his football more seriously.

Abushiri, who is affectionately known as ‘Sugar’ in Tanzania, was accused by the South African coach of playing for himself rather than contributing fully to the team. Mngqithi said the midfielder needed to improve his attitude despite recognising his considerable potential.

“Sugar did not play well, I was very unhappy with him. He was playing for himself and he has to pick himself up because the team is stronger if he is not serious about his performance,” Mngqithi told Tanzanian media.

Young Africans SC’s emphatic win moved them back to the top of the league table after three matches. Wanachi are level on nine points with their biggest rivals Simba SC, but lead the standings because of their superior goal difference.

The result provided a strong outcome for Mngqithi’s side, although the coach used his post-match press conference to make clear that Abushiri’s individual approach had not met his expectations.

“I don’t have time for players who play for themselves, I want players who play for the team but he is a young boy, we must support him, we must work with him and make sure that we help him to improve because he is a hell of a talent but he must not be selfish.

“If he is humble enough and he plays for the team he will grow easily but when he wants to have his own show he will destroy himself. I will talk with him.”

Mngqithi’s comments combined a sharp reprimand with an acknowledgement that Abushiri remains a developing player. The coach said the midfielder’s age meant he should be supported and helped to improve, but stressed that his talent would only benefit Young Africans SC if he adopted a more selfless approach.

The head coach also made clear that Abushiri’s immediate challenge was to respond positively to the criticism. While the team’s four-goal win lifted Young Africans SC to the summit, Mngqithi’s attention after the final whistle focused on ensuring the teenager understood the responsibilities expected of him.

For Abushiri, who is still 18, the coach’s message was that individual displays must not come at the expense of the team. Mngqithi believes the midfielder can develop quickly if he remains humble and commits himself to Young Africans SC’s collective performance, but warned that pursuing personal attention could damage his progress.