Mngqithi bold on Yanga squad
DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans Head Coach, Manqoba Mngqithi, remains confident his side can compete for major honours this season despite the 2-1 defeat by DR Congo’s Jeunesse Sportive de Kinshasa during the Yanga Day at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.
Mngqithi made the remarks after the match, saying his side started well and created several good opportunities, but failed to make the most of their chances.
He was particularly pleased with the way the team pressed and created opportunities from counterpressing situations.
Yanga took the lead after winning the ball back high up the pitch. The coach believes Yanga’s poor communication and positioning in defence contributed to their opponents’ goals.
He admitted some of the mistakes were avoidable. “We made some silly mistakes, I must be honest,” he said.
Mngqithi also felt that Yanga could have scored more goals after creating good opportunities in the final third.
“We created some very good moments in the final third, but unfortunately we did not take our chances,” he said.
He said the team also gave away possession too easily in dangerous areas, with the central defenders among those responsible.
The coach believes that some of those errors are understandable because younger players are still gaining experience, but he added that senior players must also take responsibility.
He expects the team to work on those challenges before the competitive season begins.
Despite the defeat, he said there were plenty of positives and backed Yanga to have a strong campaign.
“We have a very strong team. I can promise you we will have a very powerful team and it is capable of going all the way, even in the Champions League,” he said.
The tactician also called for patience as the squad continues to develop and players adapt to the demands of the new season.
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The coach said Wednesday’s match against their arch-rivals Simba would provide a better opportunity to assess senior players and see what they can contribute.
“We have to balance the team, but on Wednesday it will be the real business for the first team to show what they can give us,” he said.
The coach also praised Yanga supporters for the atmosphere they created at Uhuru Stadium during the Yanga Day.
He thanked the fans for their support throughout the match, including during difficult moments, and apologised that the team could not give them a positive result.
He said the large support the club receives at home and away matches is important to the players and promised supporters would enjoy watching the team this season.
