Yanga SC head coach Romain Folz is set to officially begin his duties this weekend after finalizing his backroom staff. This marks a major step in the club’s preparations for the 2025/26 season, as Yanga aims to defend its domestic titles and make a deeper run in the CAF Champions League.
Yesterday, Yanga unveiled the full lineup of the technical team that will work alongside Folz. Among the new appointments is 33-year-old Manu Rodriguez, who joins as assistant coach. Rodriguez arrives from Costa Rica, where he served as a national team coach, and has previously worked with Folz in various roles.
For the goalkeeper coach position, Majdi Ben Mansour Mnasria from Tunisia has taken over from Alaa Meskini, who left in February to join FAR Rabat of Morocco. Mnasria brings vast experience, having coached in Tunisia, Algeria, and South Africa, and has also worked with Folz at Olympique Akbou (Algeria) and Lamontville Golden Arrows (South Africa).
In the role of video analyst, South Africa’s Thulani Thekiso has been appointed, replacing Mpho Maruping, who joined CR Belouizdad in Algeria under coach Sead Ramovic. Thekiso will provide in-depth match and training video analysis — a critical part of Yanga’s winning strategy.
Chyna Tshephang Mokaila, also from South Africa, has been named fitness coach. He has a rich coaching background with stints at Township Rollers (Botswana), Marumo Gallants, Amazulu (South Africa), Horoya AC (Guinea), Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), and the Botswana national team, which recently qualified for AFCON 2025.
Paul Matthews, a seasoned technical expert with over 25 years of experience in coaching, scouting, and analysis, has been appointed Yanga’s new Technical Director. He replaces Abdihamid Moallin, who has also joined CR Belouizdad under coach Sead Ramovic.
With Folz’s technical team now complete, Yanga boasts a blend of experience, expertise, and established working relationships. All members are ready to guide the club to further domestic dominance and aim to surpass last season’s shortfall by progressing past the CAF Champions League group stage.
Folz’s first major challenge is ensuring Yanga qualifies for the group stage of Africa’s top club competition. It’s a high-pressure assignment, but also a great opportunity to elevate Yanga’s continental status. Fans of the club have every reason to be optimistic about the new season.
