The 55-year-old Mngqithi replaces caretaker coach Abdihamid Moallin, who guided Young Africans to a record-extending 31st league title after finishing two points ahead of rivals Simba SC.
The South African arrives after spending last season with Golden Arrows following an 11-year spell at Mamelodi Sundowns in various coaching roles.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI SPELLS SOUTH AFRICAN LEADERSHIP IN TANZANIA
The appointment means Tanzania’s two biggest clubs will both be led by South African coaches next season. Steve Barker remains in charge of Simba SC, who won the FA Cup and will join Young Africans in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.
Mngqithi now faces the challenge of defending the league title while competing on the continental stage as Young Africans aim to make a strong impact in the CAF Champions League.
With Young Africans and Simba SC qualifying for the CAF Champions League, both clubs will be aiming to improve Tanzania’s standing among the continent’s top football nations.
He is regarded as one of South Africa’s most accomplished football coaches. The former schoolteacher began his professional coaching career with Lamontville Golden Arrows in 2007.
The Umzimkhulu-born coach made history in 2009 by guiding Arrows to their first major trophy. His side hammered Ajax Cape Town 6-0 in the MTN8 final. He later had coaching spells with AmaZulu and Chippa United before returning to Golden Arrows in 2012.
Mngqithi joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2014 as assistant coach to Pitso Mosimane. The pair enjoyed remarkable success over the next six years. Sundowns won several league titles and lifted the CAF Champions League trophy in 2016.
After Mosimane left in 2020, Mngqithi became co-head coach alongside Rhulani Mokwena. They continued the club’s dominance by winning more league titles, the MTN8, and the Nedbank Cup. Mngqithi remained at Sundowns until his departure in late 2024.
He returned to Golden Arrows for a third spell and guided the Durban-based side to a top-eight finish in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. His performances attracted interest from several clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs, before Amakhosi eventually opted for Fernando Da Cruz.
COACHING CHANGES CONTINUE
Meanwhile, Portuguese coach Pedro Goncalves has been appointed head coach of Moroccan giants FAR Rabat.
He replaces fellow Portuguese coach Alexandre Santos, who left after guiding FAR Rabat to the CAF Champions League final last season, where they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Mamelodi Sundowns. Santos has since taken charge of Kuwait SC.