Explosive revelations about Yanga SC as Manqoba Mngqithi unpacks exit

Despite guiding Yanga into the CAF Champions League group stages and leaving them just five points behind league leaders and bitter rivals Simba SC, the club ended his tenure after only three months.

Speaking exclusively to Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified with Andile Ncube, Mngqithi dismissed suggestions that his departure was driven by results, hinting at deeper issues within the club.

"I can only say the team is going through a very serious transition and that transition needs a little bit of strength and power from the coach and the management to eradicate unprofessionalism," said Mngqithi.

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"The team needs to improve that level of professionalism. 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."

The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor admitted he would often clash with the Yanga hierarchy over these antics.

"The club must understand that the players are paid to do their work. It should never compromise in that aspect. 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."

The coach also addressed reports in Tanzania that he fell out with star player and midfielder Aziz Ki, who joined after pre-season. 

"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. 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."