Manqoba Mngqithi reveals outside interference blocked blockbuster move to Kaizer Chiefs

New Young Africans (Yanga) head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has lifted the lid on why his long-speculated move to Kaizer Chiefs never materialised, revealing that the deal was blocked before formal negotiations could even begin.

Mngqithi, who recently took over at the Tanzanian champions, has frequently been linked with the Amakhosi job throughout his coaching career. Following his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns in 2024, his name again surfaced as a leading candidate for the Naturena vacancy before he instead returned to Golden Arrows.

Now, the experienced coach has confirmed there was genuine interest from Chiefs, but insists outside interference ensured the opportunity never progressed.

Speaking on Radio 2000, Mngqithi claimed influential figures worked behind the scenes to derail any chance of him taking charge of the Soweto giants.

“Chiefs’ interest in me is not a lie, but it never came to fruition because there are people who block these moves,” Mngqithi said.

Karibu Young Africans SC Kocha Mkuu MANQOBA MNGQITHI

𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐊𝐈 𝐍𝐀 𝐊𝐈𝐌𝐀🔰#TimuYaWananchi #DaimaMbeleNyumaMwiko pic.twitter.com/IVnwiISadz

— Young Africans SC (@YoungAfricansSC) July 10, 2026

“There are people who always find a way to speak negatively about a person. The Chiefs one never even reached the stage of (negotiating) terms because someone blocked it.

“I’m fortunate to know the person who blocked it, and I’m not even worried about it, but it is true that there was interest. Even recently there was interest from Chiefs.”

Mngqithi stopped short of naming the individual he believes prevented the move, but maintained he holds no bitterness over what happened.

The 54-year-old also revealed that Chiefs’ admiration for him stretches back many years. Before joining Pitso Mosimane’s technical team at Sundowns, he was invited to Naturena to present his vision for the club and held discussions with senior management.

“That (making a presentation) was before I joined Sundowns and even then, Chiefs wanted me very strongly,” he said.

“I’ve had cordial talks even with Kaizer Motaung Sr. I know they have always shown interest in me, but for whatever reasons, it never happens. I don’t have a problem with that because there are so many jobs on this planet.”

Despite the repeated links, Mngqithi has never occupied the Chiefs dugout, with the club opting for other candidates over the years.

Instead, the former Sundowns assistant and head coach has now embarked on a fresh challenge in East Africa after being appointed by Yanga following his departure from Golden Arrows at the end of last season.

The move presents Mngqithi with an opportunity to add to his impressive coaching résumé at one of the continent’s biggest clubs, while Chiefs continue their search for long-term stability after years of inconsistency.

Although the Naturena opportunity never materialised, Mngqithi’s latest revelations confirm the interest was genuine — even if circumstances beyond his control ultimately prevented one of South African football’s most talked-about coaching appointments from becoming a reality.