Makaab breaks silence on Mngqithi’s Yanga exit and Chiefs links
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Makaab breaks silence on Mngqithi’s Yanga exit and Chiefs links
Oct 27, 2026 – 08:12 pm
By Thato Bosoga
ProSport International CEO Mike Makaab has broken his silence on Manqoba Mngqithi’s shock departure from Young Africans and speculation linking the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach with Kaizer Chiefs.
Mngqithi was relieved of his duties over the weekend after Yanga were held to a goalless draw by TRA United in the Tanzanian Premier League, dropping valuable points and falling five points behind leaders and arch-rivals Simba SC.
The 55-year-old’s departure came as a surprise following an impressive start to his tenure, which saw Yanga record five consecutive victories and earn him the league’s Coach of the Month award, while the club also cruised to the group stages of the CAF Champions League while the South African was at the helm.
However, a 2-1 defeat to Wekundu wa Msimbazi, after the international break appeared to increase the pressure on Mngqithi. The subsequent stalemate against TRA United proved to be his final match in charge of the Tanzanian giants.
Speaking to KickOff, Mngqithi’s representative, Makaab, admitted that the decision caught him off guard, although he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football.
“Yes, but nothing surprises me in football. I’ve been in football for far too long to be overly surprised,” Makaab said.
Read: Kadodia calls for SAFA support amid Durban City CAF milestone
Meanwhile, speculation has emerged linking Mngqithi with a potential move to Kaizer Chiefs, who are facing mounting scrutiny following their elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup during the qualifying rounds.
Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has come under increasing pressure amid the club’s disappointing continental campaign, fuelling rumours about possible changes in the technical team.
Asked whether Mngqithi could be a suitable candidate for Amakhosi, Makaab was non-commital.
“I’ve been in football for three-and-a-half decades, nothing surprises me,” the veteran agent said.
The experienced coach, who previously enjoyed considerable success with Sundowns, could attract interest as clubs assess their coaching options, with The Brazilians’ head coach Miguel Cardoso also under a huge pressure after Masandawana failed to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stages for the first time since 2015.
Chiefs are back in action on Tuesday evening when they host TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout round of 16 clash at FNB Stadium.
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