Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC have flexed their financial muscle and ambition by unveiling a heavily South African-flavoured technical team to support newly appointed head coach Manqoba Mngqithi ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Just ten days after appointing the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrowsmentor, the Dar es Salaam giants moved swiftly to build a top-tier support team equipped for continental success.
On Tuesday, Yanga confirmed the arrival of experienced tactician Simo Dladla as Mngqithi’s top assistant.
“Welcome, assistant coach Simo Dladla,” the club announced in a brief statement.
Dladla makes the trek to East Africa following the expiration of his contract with Betway Premiership outfit AmaZulu FC. During the 2025/26 campaign, Dladla served as right-hand man to Arthur Zwane at Usuthu, co-steering the KwaZulu-Natal side to a commendable fourth-place finish with 47 points. Dladla’s stock had previously soared after guiding Durban City FC back into Mzansi’s top flight.
English Premier League pedigree for set-piece duties
In another eye-catching appointment, former Bafana Bafana star Kagisho Dikgacoi has been drafted in as Yanga’s dedicated set-piece coach. The ex-Crystal Palace and Fulham midfielder, who recently parted ways with Golden Arrows, brings invaluable European and international experience to Wananchi’s technical bench.
“Welcome to the jungle, set-piece coach Kagisho Dikgacoi,” the Tanzanian champions stated.
Joining the technical contingent is performance analyst Yardaan Valodia, who also makes the switch from Golden Arrows to bolster Yanga’s tactical preparation.
Etafia set to complete the puzzle
The East African giants are also expected to finalise the addition of former Nigerian international Greg Etafia as goalkeeper coach. Etafia recently severed ties with TS Galaxy, paving the way for him to complete Mngqithi’s Mzansi-led technical revolution in Dar es Salaam.
With Mngqithi’s support structure now firmly in place, the mandate from Yanga management is clear: maintain domestic dominance in the Ligi Kuu Bara and mount a formidable charge in the CAF Champions League.
