Tanzanian football giants and reigning NBC Premier League champions Yanga SC are continuing their preparations ahead of the new 2026/27 competitive season.
Yanga recently announced former Nigeria national team goalkeeper Greg Etafia as the club's new goalkeeping coach. He joins other technical staff members in the coaching team led by head coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
Etafia arrives at Jangwani from South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) club TS Galaxy, where he spent five years serving as the club's goalkeeping coach.
Greg Etafia's Background and Career Record
Etafia, 43, has more than 20 years of experience in African football, having worked as both a player and later as a goalkeeping coach for clubs including Plateau United and TS Galaxy.
His career history highlights a professional with strong discipline, commitment, and a record of success:
- International Football: He was part of Nigeria's U-23 national team squad at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. He was also included in the Super Eagles squad that won a bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Tunisia.
- Club Career: He played professional football in Nigeria for Lobi Stars and Plateau United before moving to South Africa in 2003 to join Moroka Swallows. He spent 12 years at Swallows as the club's first-choice goalkeeper, winning major trophies including the Nedbank Cup and MTN 8.
- Coaching Experience: After retiring from playing in 2020, he moved into coaching and worked with several PSL clubs, including Moroka Swallows, Cape Town All Stars, Highlands Park, and most recently TS Galaxy.
A Major Task Awaits Him at Jangwani
Etafia's arrival is expected to provide significant value to Yanga's current goalkeepers. His first task will be to improve the existing goalkeeping department, ensuring the players are mentally and technically prepared to defend domestic titles and achieve the club's major ambition of reaching the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.
Etafia's experience working in highly competitive football environments in South Africa and Nigeria is considered one of the main reasons behind his appointment by Yanga. He has already started his new duties at the club's Avic Town training camp, where he is working with Yanga goalkeepers Djigui Diarra, Aboutwalib Mshery, and Hussein Masalanga.
