Yanga SC head coach Manqoba Mngqithi and the club’s Information and Communications Manager, Ali Kamwe, have outlined the plans and strategies for the squad ahead of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round second leg against Gaborone United.
Speaking to journalists at Yanga Media Day held earlier today, Mngqithi said Yanga did not enter the competition simply to participate, but with the ambition of fighting their way to the latter stages and ultimately winning the African title.
The South African coach said his squad continues to improve day by day and believes it has enough quality to compete against the continent’s top teams.
“Our ambitions are big; we want to win the African title, and we have a squad capable of fighting to reach that level. I ask our fans not to be afraid, but to come to the stadium in large numbers and support us because the team is strong,” Mngqithi said.
For his part, Ali Kamwe reassured Yanga members and supporters ahead of the clash against Gaborone United, stressing that although it will be a difficult match, their opponents are not at a level that should intimidate Yanga or prevent them from progressing.
Kamwe revealed that one of the areas the technical bench has prioritised is set pieces, an area in which he said Gaborone United have shown considerable strength.
“It is a difficult match, but it is not frightening. We know our opponents have a major weapon from set pieces, and our technical bench under Coach Mngqithi, who has vast experience in these African competitions, has worked on all of that,” Kamwe said.
Kamwe also stressed the importance of the fans in the match, explaining that Yanga’s biggest strength is expected to come from the stands.
He urged the club’s supporters to turn up in large numbers at Azam Complex Stadium in Chamazi on Saturday to inspire the team and create a difficult atmosphere for their opponents.
Kamwe Speaks on Aziz Ki
Speaking about attacking midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki, Kamwe said the player remains an important part of Yanga’s squad and continues to be a key figure in the team’s plans.
However, he stressed that decisions regarding the use of any player on the pitch are based on the player’s fitness, the team’s needs and the coach’s tactical plans, rather than the stature of the player’s name.
