Yanga head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has warned that the clash against Gaborone United will not be an easy one, saying their opponents are a quality side who are well organised in different areas of the pitch.
Yanga are expected to take on Gaborone United tomorrow, Saturday, in the first-leg preliminary-round CAF Champions League match at the Botswana National Stadium.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the match, Mngqithi said his squad is ready for the challenge, while stressing the importance of playing with concentration and avoiding mistakes that could give Gaborone United an advantage at home.
The South African coach said he has been closely monitoring Gaborone United and has been impressed by the work being done by their coach, Sean Connor.
“We are going into a game that is genuinely difficult. First of all, I have to give credit to Coach Sean Connor. I think he has done a tremendous job with this team. Since he started coaching them, I have been following what has been happening, and I believe he has transformed them into a very good team.”
Gaborone United Have a Solid Defence
According to Mngqithi, one of Gaborone United’s biggest strengths is their defensive solidity.
He said the team does not concede many goals and is also capable of making good use of counter-attacks and set pieces, areas Yanga will have to be particularly cautious about.
“Defensively, they are a solid team. They do not concede many goals and they are also very dangerous when they launch counter-attacks and from set pieces.”
Mngqithi also addressed the absence of Mothusi Johnson and Mpho Kgwaswane, saying he could not yet accurately predict the impact of their absence given the importance they have had within the squad.
However, he said Gaborone United still have experienced and dangerous players, including an experienced goalkeeper, two quality forwards, a goalkeeper from Namibia, as well as a highly capable right-back.
Manqoba: Their Defence Has Experience
The coach also revealed that he has conducted an in-depth analysis of how Gaborone United organise their defensive line.
He said they have three experienced defenders who are performing well in their defensive roles, while also highlighting a Nigerian right-back whom he has been monitoring closely.
“They have an experienced defensive line with three defenders who are doing very well in their defensive responsibilities. They also have another good player from Nigeria who plays on the right side, whom I have been following closely.”
Mngqithi also singled out Kgamanyane as one of Gaborone United’s key players, noting that he is capable of playing as a number 10 attacking midfielder.
Overall, he said the team has a good playing system, with their four attacking players interchanging positions and making their attacks difficult to predict.
Yanga Must Be Careful During Transitions
Another challenge Mngqithi identified is Gaborone United’s ability to cause problems when they win the ball and quickly launch attacks after an opponent loses possession.
He said Yanga will have to be particularly careful during the transition from defence to attack.
“They are a team we have to be careful with, especially during transitions from defence to attack. We have to make sure we remain solid defensively and also improve the way we execute our counter-pressing.”
The coach believes Yanga can get a positive result if they execute their game plan correctly and control the areas where Gaborone United could create attacking opportunities.
The Goal Is to Control the Game
Despite showing great respect for Gaborone United, Mngqithi said Yanga are not travelling to Botswana simply to defend. Instead, they aim to control the game, dominate possession and ensure that the result is largely determined by how they play.
“We are a team that will try to control the game, dominate possession and make sure that the outcome of the match is determined more by the way we play and our actions on the pitch.”
