Mngqithi:’Someone blocked my move to Kaizer Chiefs’

Young Africans head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed that Kaizer Chiefs tried to appoint him on more than one occasion. ipl-today.in

The 54-year-old coach made the revelation after his unveiling by the Tanzanian giants on Friday. He spoke during an interview with Thabiso Mosia on Radio 2000.

Mngqithi said he held cordial talks with Amakhosi chairman Kaizer Motaung Snr. However, he claimed the move never progressed because someone blocked it.

MANQOBA MNGQITHI OPENS UP ON KAIZER CHIEFS INTEREST

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach added that the talks never reached the stage of negotiating personal terms. Even so, he said he has no hard feelings and is fully focused on his new job.

Speaking on Radio 2000, Mngqithi insisted the interest from Chiefs was genuine. “Kaizer Chiefs did have interest in me. But someone blocked the move and I know who it is,” said Mngqithi.

“I have had very cordial talks with Chiefs, even with Kaizer Motaung Sn. It is not a lie. But it never reached any fruition because there are people who block these moves.”

He said negative opinions from certain people stopped the deal. “There are people who always find ways to speak negatively about a person. Kaizer Chiefs never got to the point of negotiating terms because someone blocked it.”

NO REGRETS FOR MNGQITHI

Mngqithi also revealed that Kaizer Chiefs wanted him before he joined Mamelodi Sundowns. He believes the club’s interest lasted for several years. However, he accepts that the move never happened.

“I’m fortunate to know that the person who blocked it I am not even worried about. But it’s true there was interest recently,” he continued.

“Kaizer Chiefs even wanted me before I joined Sundowns. I’ve had very cordial talks with senior Kaizer Motaung. I know they have always shown interest in me. But for whatever reason it never happened.”

The experienced coach said he has no regrets. He added that there are many coaching opportunities in football.

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South African football has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25.

Sundowns have yet to make a statement and the cause of Adams’ death has not yet been made public.

A World Cup with Bafana

His untimely passing comes just weeks after representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where South Africa reached the Round of 32 before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Canada.

The former Stellenbosch FC midfielder featured in all three of Bafana’s group stage matches at the tournament but was an unused substitute in the knockout clash against Canada.

Adams, along with seven other Sundowns players who represented South Africa at the World Cup, had been granted an additional two weeks’ leave before returning for pre-season. He had been expected to rejoin Miguel Cardoso’s squad next week during their training camp in Austria.

The talented midfielder joined Sundowns in January last year after completing a move from Stellenbosch, where he had established himself as one of the Premier Soccer League’s best midfielders.

A product of the Stellenbosch academy, Adams signed his first professional contract in 2020 before becoming a key figure in the first team.

He made 139 appearances for the Cape Winelands club, the second most in their history, before securing a move to the Brazilians.

A Stellies star

During his time with Stellies, Adams helped the club win the 2023 Carling Knockout. He continued his success at Sundowns, winning the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League titles in less than two years.

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On the international stage, Adams was part of the Bafana squad that claimed a bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

His death has sent shockwaves through South African football, with tributes expected to pour in from across the local and international game.

Coach Kevin Foote has shuffled his Junior Springbok pack and backline for Monday’s Junior World Championship semi-final against England in Tbilisi.

With the defending champions chasing a spot in the U20s showpiece, Foote has made four changes to the starting XV that beat Wales in their last Pool A match in the Georgian capital.

Up front, Kebotile Maake starts at openside flanker, Luke Cannon takes the blindside berth and Gert Kemp comes in at No 8. Risima Khosa and Vujo Gwiji make way, with the former named among the six forward replacements.

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In the backline, Markus Muller returns at outside centre ahead of Samuel Badenhorst, while Luan Giliomee is back at fullback after clearing head injury assessment protocols. Alzeadon Felix drops to the bench for backline cover.

“We’ve made some rotational changes to the squad, mindful that we had an extra day for recovery, which came at the right time after three pool matches in a relatively short period,” Foote said.

“We have selected what we believe is an exciting team and a combination best suited to our game model against a very good England side.”

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England reached the last four unbeaten, winning all three pool matches, matching the Junior Boks’ own record. “England have shown their quality by winning all three of their pool games,” Foote added.

“They have a strong and successful history in this competition and will be highly motivated for this match. We have prepared well, and now it’s about executing our plan.”

“These young men love representing this team and playing for South Africa. We are grateful to represent our country and are excited about the challenge that awaits us on Monday.”

JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS – 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Gert Kemp, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Kebotile Maake, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (c), 1 Oliver Reid.
Bench: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubheka, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 Jaythen Orange, 20 Thomas Beling, 21 Risima Khosa, 22 Jayden Brits, 23 Alzeadon Felix.

Photo: @SAJuniorRugby/X

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