Did you know? Young Africans SC coach Manqoba Mngqithi reveals his famous daughters

Football fans know Manqoba Mngqithi for what he does on the touchline, but during a recent interview with sports journalist Thabiso Mosia, the coach shared a rare glimpse into the lives of his daughters, revealing that they are both carving out successful careers in entertainment.

The recently appointed Young Africans SC coach, who has largely kept his family out of the spotlight, said he felt it was finally worth acknowledging their achievements.

“I normally don’t like to expose my family in the media, but I think it’s worth it to make people aware that it’s my daughter. My first two daughters, the first one is Asavela, who was an actor, whom I believe is still a very good actor.

“Then the second one is Ntwentle … she’s using Siinaye. She’s my daughter. She studied music. She was signed by Universal Music, so now she’s due to go to America to finalise her deal with them,” he said.

“I don’t like to expose my family in the media. But I think it’s worth saying that the musician Siinaye is my daughter. She comes after Asavela who is a very good actress. Siinaye studied music and has now signed with Universal and will be going to America”-Coach Manqoba Mngqithi pic.twitter.com/1kBVqM0rPD

— Member (@ThabisoMosia) July 15, 2026

While many South Africans already know his eldest daughter, actress Asavela Mngqithi, fewer may have realised that rising R&B singer Siinaye is also part of the Mngqithi family.

Born Ntwentle Sinaye Mngqithi, the singer has been steadily building a name for herself in the local music industry.

Originally from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Siinaye’s love for music reportedly started at a young age after her grandmother gifted her a radio instead of toys. 

After moving to Durban, she immersed herself in church music, spending years singing in choirs while teaching herself to play the guitar, piano and drums.

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Her passion eventually took her from recording music in a friend’s bedroom in Cape Town to working in professional studios alongside artists such as Manana and Rowlene.

She introduced herself to listeners with her debut single “Franklin Freestyle” in 2024, which earned recognition from Metro FM and artists including Blxckie.

The momentum continued with “Sonini”, her collaboration with Manana released under Universal Music South Africa, which became a favourite among fans on TikTok.

Siinaye has also featured on Tony Dayimane’s acclaimed album “Red October: INDUCTION” on the track “siinaye interlude”, while continuing to develop a sound that blends gospel influences and contemporary R&B.

According to the coach, the next step in his daughter’s journey is even bigger as she prepares to head to the United States to seal a musical deal.

His eldest daughter has already established herself as one of South Africa’s familiar television faces.

The actress first won over audiences as Ntwenhle on “Isibaya”, before going on to star in “Abomama” and later joining the cast of “Uzalo” as Sizakele.

Away from the screen, Asavela studied camera and editing at AFDA before pursuing acting full-time.

In recent years, she has also been open about her personal life. After marrying businessman Vuyisa Mqokiyana in 2022 and welcoming their daughter the following year, she later confirmed the end of their marriage. 

Since then, she has candidly shared her experiences of postpartum life, single motherhood and co-parenting on platforms including the “Mommy Diaries” podcast.