Plateau United are set to keep faith in Head Coach Mbwas Mangut as they gear up for the 2025/2026 NPFL season, despite past turbulence.
General Manager Habila Mutla says the club values continuity and plans strategic player additions, with renewed focus on preseason to lay the foundation for success.
Plateau United’s General Manager, Habila Hosea Mutla, has revealed that the club is eager to continue its journey with Head Coach Mbwas Mangut for the upcoming 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The Tin City outfit endured a turbulent campaign last season, finishing in 7th place with 54 points from 38 matches. Their final position came despite a three-point and three-goal deduction stemming from crowd trouble during their Matchday 11 clash against Rangers International.
That incident and a string of inconsistent results put Mangut under intense pressure mid-season. At one point, the club’s hierarchy handed him a three-game ultimatum to turn things around or face the axe.
But when the deadline passed, Mutla and his management team opted not to act hastily. Speaking at the time, the Plateau United GM explained their rationale: “Where are we going to get a better coach at this stage of the season? Which club would be willing to release their coach now?”
Rather than gamble on an assistant or make a rash replacement, they stuck with Mangut, and that decision appears to have paid off. The club avoided relegation and stabilized its performance in the latter stages of the season.
Now, Mutla is doubling down on his support for Mangut, stating in an exclusive chat that the coach has earned the club’s trust.
“Except if he chooses to leave on his own,” Mutla said, affirming that a new deal may be in the works. “The technical department has submitted its report. I’m still reviewing it, and by next week, we’ll sit down with them to discuss and plan for the coming season.”
Mutla stressed the importance of continuity, especially in Nigerian football, where frequent managerial changes often disrupt team cohesion.
“In football, continuity is key to success. You don’t keep sacking players in large numbers season after season,” he said. “That’s not the way. Why change players when they are just beginning to understand the coach’s philosophy?”
The club is now expected to make only a few strategic player additions. “At most, you can bring in two, three, or four players in key areas to stabilize the team,” Mutla noted.
Looking ahead, the Plateau United boss emphasized the need for a well-structured pre-season as the cornerstone for a better campaign.
“We’ll have detailed discussions, especially regarding our pre-season, because that’s a vital ingredient for success. As the saying goes, a good and early beginning makes for a better ending.”
As Plateau United begin preparations for next season, all signs point to a renewed commitment to stability, structure, and a long-term vision under Coach Mbwas Mangut.
