Kaizer Chiefs coaching change rumour gets a reaction

Mngqithi became a free agent after his shock exit from Young Africans SC. The tenure ended after just three months in East Africans.

With Fernando Da Cruz enduring a slow start at Kaizer Chiefs, Mngqithi’s departure from Dar es Salaam quickly sparked rumours of joining the Soweto giants.

Meanwhile, Mngqithi’s super agent, Mike Makaab, has said there is no substance to the reports.

“It’s not true [that Chiefs want to bring in Mngqithi as head coach], and it’s unfair to the current technical staff. You know rumours like this can cause a lot of problems,” Makaab told FARPost.

“Coach Manqoba is a top football coach with great experience, and there will always be rumours, but I can tell you that no formal approach has been made by Kaizer Chiefs.”

MAKAAB ADDRESSES MNGQITHI’S KAIZER CHIEFS LINKS

The speculation comes amid a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign for Amakhosi under Fernando Da Cruz.

Chiefs have already missed out on the MTN8 and suffered an early elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds. Those setbacks have frustrated sections of the club’s supporters, with some calling for the French coach to be dismissed.

Despite the growing pressure, sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr has publicly reaffirmed the club’s backing for Da Cruz.

Makaab’s comments now offer a clear response to suggestions that Mngqithi could be brought in to replace the current coach.

MNGQITHI’S IMPRESSIVE RECORD BEFORE YOUNG AFRICANS EXIT

Mngqithi’s short spell in Tanzania began positively. He guided Young Africans to the Community Shield in August 2026, beating bitter rivals Simba SC 1-0.

The 55-year-old oversaw 13 matches across all competitions, winning 10, drawing two and losing just once. His team scored 29 goals and conceded seven.

Before moving to East Africa, Mngqithi had returned to Golden Arrows during the previous campaign, guiding the KwaZulu-Natal side to a top-eight finish in the Betway Premiership.

He also enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he served in several technical roles over more than a decade. Notably, he was part of Pitso Mosimane’s technical team when the Brazilians won the CAF Champions League in 2016.