FORMER City Lads FC player, Mlungisi Warah Ngani, decided to coach his club’s junior sides after hanging up his boots in 1992.
Ngani, who was a Lads player from 1982 to 1992, revealed that his coaching career began when he coached Lads’ U/12 and U/15 teams. Eight years later, he guided Lads’ U/15 team to win the SAFA Nelson Mandela Bay Nike Cup regional eliminations. Ngani and the Lads’ U/15 boys went on to participate in the Nike National Championships in 2000.
Following his good coaching record with Lads, Bush Bucks FC recruited Ngani as their senior coach in 2003.
Ngani said, “I led Bucks victoriously as they lifted the New Brighton Football Association (NEBFA) Knockout trophy during the 2004/05 season.
“In 2010, I scooped the NEBFA coach of the season award after I worked very hard. In 2010 as well, I completed the SAFA level 1 coaching course. In 2012, Bucks, under my mentorship, were SAFA NMB Mayoral Cup runners-up. In 2013, I was selected as NEBFA team head coach.”
In 2014, Ngani was part of Continental Tyres team that participated in Conti Cup championships in Germany where they reached the semi-finals. In 2015 industrial league season, he played an instrumental role in helping his company soccer side to win the league title.
In 2014/2015, Ngani helped Bucks to win the NEBFA league title and his side were also SAFA NMB Mayoral Cup runners-up.
In 2016/17, Morning Stars FC, who campaigned in ABC Motsepe League, recruited Ngani.
He said, “My worst experience in my football coaching career was when Morning Stars were relegated.
“Then I went back to City Lads, where I was selected to be head coach. I am ploughing back to football because I am passionate about football.
“Retired and senior players should help in community sport, to give guidance and share experience,” he said.
