Kaizer Chiefs’ legend Mabedi comments on deputizing Yanga’s Folz

Former Kaizer Chiefs’ mentor Patrick Mabedi has commented on his expectations from working with Young Africans (Yanga) SC coach Romain Folz.

The Malawian was appointed as the French man’s deputy at the Tanzanian Premier League club on Monday.

Both coaches have worked in South Africa before. Folz managed Marumo Gallants, AmaZulu and a head coach then served as an assistant at Mamelodi Sundowns.

On the other hand, Mabedi previously served as an assistant coach at Chiefs, Moroka Swallows, Black Leopards and Mpumalanga Black Aces. With AmaKhosi, he not only played for them but also skippered the team and served as interim coach on more than one occasion.

Asked of his impression with working with the 35-year-old Folz, the Chiefs legend said he expects to learn from him and vice-versa.

“Romain is a very good coach. I have seen him in South Africa with a couple of clubs,” Mabedi said. “I saw him a couple of times. With the relationship we have started, we can achieve a lot together. We just need to try and learn from each other. I believe I learn every day and with the experience, I will help him to get one or two things.”

So why did Patrick Mabedi join Yanga?

The Malawian described Yanga as one of the biggest clubs in Africa hence he felt compelled to join them.

“I am honoured to be here. I feel so good to be here with a big club like this one. This club has its own history, and for me, it is one of the best in Africa. Sometimes people don’t understand that it is one of the biggest teams in Africa also in Tanzania… it is actually a very big team and the ambition similar to achieve the same,” he added

The 51-year-old has picked the job five days before the Tanzanian Premier League pacesetters travel to Lilongwe to face their Malawian counterparts Silver Strikers in the 2025-2026 CAF Champions League second preliminary round first-leg match.

Yanga will then welcome the TNM Super League champions on October 25 2025. Ahead of these demanding assignments, Mabedi has already hit the ground running with the Dar es Salaam-based team.

The former Amakhosi captain has returned to the dugout almost a year after being sacked as the Flames head coach. He will work in the coaching panel headed by former Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Romain Folz.