Young Africans SC have turned to assistant coach Simo Dladla to take temporary charge of the team after parting ways with head coach Manqoba Mngqithi. The club made the call following a frustrating run of results in the NBC Premier League that left the defending champions chasing leaders Simba SC.

Mngqithi’s time at the Jangwani club ended on Saturday night, just hours after Yanga were held to a goalless draw by TRA United in Arusha. That result came after a 2-1 defeat to rivals Simba in the Kariakoo Derby earlier this month. Although the South African coach had delivered a Community Shield win and guided Yanga into the CAF Champions League group stage, the league setbacks proved too costly. After eight league matches, Yanga sit second with 19 points, five behind Simba.

Dladla, who arrived at Yanga in July as Mngqithi’s top assistant, is now tasked with steadying the ship while the club searches for a permanent replacement. The experienced South African coach brings solid credentials from the Betway Premiership. He previously worked as assistant to Arthur Zwane at AmaZulu, helping the team finish fourth last season, and earlier guided Durban City back to the top flight. His knowledge of the squad and the systems already in place makes him a natural choice to take over for now.

Yanga face Mashujaa in a league fixture on Tuesday, giving Dladla an immediate chance to make an impact. The defending champions will be expected to get back to winning ways and close the gap on Simba. With the CAF Champions League group stage still to come, the interim boss has little room for error as he looks to restore confidence in a squad that had started the season strongly under Mngqithi.

The club has confirmed that the search for a new head coach is already underway. Until a permanent appointment is made, Dladla carries the responsibility of keeping Yanga competitive both at home and in Africa. Fans will be watching closely to see how the South African handles the pressure in his first game in charge.

Source: https://x.com/UnplayableZA/status/2114698118398714303