Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has achieved another significant milestone in his coaching career after guiding Tanzanian giants Young Africans to the CAF Champions League group stages.

Mngqithi has enjoyed an impressive start since taking charge of Yanga, winning the Community Shield before securing qualification for the group stages of Africa’s premier club competition. His latest achievement strengthens his reputation as a coach capable of competing at the highest level of African football.

Young Africans confirmed their qualification after defeating Madagascan side CFFA 4-1 in the second leg of their second preliminary round tie on Wednesday. The victory secured an emphatic 8-1 aggregate triumph, making the Tanzanian outfit the first team to reach this season’s group stages.

Ibrahim Kazimoto opened the scoring in the 27th minute, giving the hosts an early advantage. Young Africans maintained their dominance after the break, with Selemani Mwalimu scoring twice in the 49th and 53rd minutes to put the contest beyond CFFA’s reach.

Although the visitors managed to score a consolation goal in the 75th minute, teenager Juma Issa Abushuri restored Yanga’s three-goal advantage on the night by finding the net in the 82nd minute.

The qualification presents Mngqithi with an opportunity to test his team against some of the continent’s strongest clubs as Young Africans pursue continental glory.

Meanwhile, Mngqithi has also made claims about a previous opportunity to coach Kaizer Chiefs. He reportedly rejected an offer from Amakhosi because he considered their proposed transfer budget insufficient.

According to Mngqithi, the club was prepared to provide R20 million to recruit seven players. He argued that during his time at Sundowns, that amount could be spent on signing a single player from the Premier Soccer League.

The reported details of the offer have not been independently confirmed.

For now, Mngqithi’s immediate focus will be on maintaining Young Africans’ momentum as they prepare for the tougher challenges awaiting them in the CAF Champions League group stages.

Source

https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-champions-league/mngqithi-into-cafcl-group-stages/