Yanga head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed the secret behind the impressive form of midfielder Maxi Nzengeli, who has become one of the key pillars of the Wananchi squad.
Maxi has continued to display his quality since the start of the season, having already scored three goals in league matches. In addition to his goalscoring, the DR Congo midfielder has played a major role in creating goalscoring opportunities.
In the match against Geita Gold, for example, Maxi was involved in Yanga’s goal after his corner was headed into the net by Oumar Komara.
Man of the Match Four Times
Maxi’s quality can also be seen through his Man of the Match awards. In the six league matches Yanga have played, Maxi has won the Man of the Match award four times, making him the player with the most such awards so far this season.
This has increased his value in Manqoba’s squad, with the midfielder operating in different midfield roles and being given various responsibilities depending on the team’s needs.
Manqoba: Maxi Knows How to Take Care of Himself
In the recent friendly against St George, Manqoba handed Maxi the captain’s armband.
The decision sparked debate among some fans who wanted to see the midfielder given a rest after featuring regularly in Yanga’s matches.
However, Manqoba has stressed that Maxi is a self-aware player who respects his responsibilities and is always ready to help the team.
“Maxi is a competitive player who is always ready to play for the team. You will never see him making excuses that would cause him to miss training or any team activity. For me, he is very important to the squad,” Manqoba said.
The coach also urged fans not to view the situation as the technical bench forcing Maxi to play without rest, explaining that the midfielder knows how to take care of his body.
“Maxi will rest, and he is a player who takes very good care of himself by knowing when he needs to rest and always respecting the required schedule. So fans should not see it as if we are overworking him, but rather recognise his determination to fulfil his responsibilities and help the team. That is what is most important at the moment,” Manqoba said.
Based on his performances so far, Maxi has continued to emerge as one of the players carrying Yanga’s hopes in midfield, with his ability to score, create chances and contribute to goals making him an important part of Manqoba’s plans this season.
