MNGQITHI BOMBSHELL! Best-Ever Record Fails to Save Him as Chiefs and Sundowns Links Emerge

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 29 October 2026

South African football coach Manqoba Mngqithi has found himself at the centre of a major coaching story following his departure from Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC, despite reportedly enjoying the best record of his managerial career at the club.

Mngqithi’s exit has once again highlighted the demanding nature of coaching at one of Africa’s biggest football institutions, where results, expectations and long-term ambitions can determine a coach’s future even when aspects of their performance appear encouraging.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach arrived at Young Africans with considerable experience in South African football, having built a reputation through his work at one of the Betway Premiership’s most successful clubs. His appointment in Tanzania represented another important chapter in a career that has seen him compete at the highest level of African club football.

However, his spell with the Tanzanian outfit has ended sooner than many would have expected, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his departure and what lies ahead for the experienced tactician.

A record that could not guarantee his future

The most striking aspect of Mngqithi’s departure is the suggestion that he achieved the strongest record of his coaching career during his time with Young Africans.

That detail makes his exit particularly significant, as it illustrates how a coach’s overall achievements do not always guarantee stability at a demanding club. Expectations at Young Africans are exceptionally high, with domestic success and strong performances in continental competitions forming an important part of the club’s ambitions.

Mngqithi’s departure also comes amid discussions about his possible future in South African football, where his previous connections with Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns make his next move a subject of interest.

Could South Africa be his next destination?

The links involving Chiefs and Sundowns are likely to attract attention because both clubs operate under intense pressure to deliver trophies and maintain consistent performances.

For Kaizer Chiefs, any discussion involving experienced coaches comes against the backdrop of the club’s efforts to rebuild its competitiveness and return to challenging consistently for major honours. Mngqithi’s knowledge of the South African game could make his name relevant whenever coaching possibilities are discussed, although speculation should not be mistaken for a confirmed appointment.

At Sundowns, meanwhile, Mngqithi previously worked within a successful technical structure and understands the demands associated with competing for domestic titles and continental recognition.

Nevertheless, there is no confirmed indication in the information available that either club has formally appointed him or reached an agreement over a return.

What comes next for Mngqithi?

Mngqithi’s immediate priority will be assessing his next career move after leaving Tanzania. His experience across South African and African football could keep him in contention for future coaching opportunities.

His departure serves as a reminder that football management is shaped by more than statistics alone. For now, attention will remain on the circumstances of his Young Africans exit and whether his next chapter takes him back to the South African football scene.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2115700257367466306