Aziz Ki, Pacome praise new Yanga signings: Chama, Dube, Baleke
From left: Stephane Aziz KI, Clatous Chama and Pacome Zouzoua. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Pacome stressed that the arrival of Chama, Dube, and Baleke will provide the team with more attacking strength and a better balance in scoring, unlike last season where the attacking midfielders carried most of the burden.
Dar es Salaam. Mainland Tanzania champions Young Africans (Yanga) prominent players Stephane Aziz Ki and Pacome Zouzoua have expressed their admiration for the newly signed players ahead of the upcoming league season.
Yanga have signed seven new players: Clatous Chama from Simba, Prince Dube from Azam FC, Jean Baleke from TP Mazembe, Khomeini Abubakar, Aziz Andambwile from Fountain Gate FC, Shadrack Boka from FC Lupopo (DR Congo), and Dube Abuya from Singida Big Stars.
The new signings join last season's players, including Djigui Diara, Kennedy Musonda, Kouassi Attohoula Yao, Khalid Aucho, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Dickson Job and Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad.
The list also includes Mudathir Yahya, Clement Mzize, Farid Mussa, Salum “Sure Boy” Abubakar, Jonas Mkude, Kibwana Shomari, Shekhan Ibrahim Hamis, Aboutwalib Mshery, and Dennis Nkane.
Yanga have played one preparatory match against German Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, losing 2-1.
They are scheduled to play TS Galaxy of South Africa on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 4 pm Tanzania time, and later on July 28, 2024, against Kaizer Chiefs in the Toyota Cup at 4pm.
Zouzoua expressed confidence in the team's strengthened squad, stating that the coach will have the right choices for the starting lineup.
"There will be no fierce competition among the players as each knows his role in the club. What I see is a strong squad with many options for the team’s technical bench to choose from for any match," said Pacome.
Pacome stressed that the arrival of Chama, Dube, and Baleke will provide the team with more attacking strength and a better balance in scoring, unlike last season where the attacking midfielders carried most of the burden.
"Our coach, Gamondi, has the best choices, ensuring a strong starting lineup with quality on the bench. I believe the team will achieve great things both domestically and internationally," he said.
He noted that despite sharing similar roles on the field with Chama and Aziz Ki, there would be no problem playing together.
"This is the coach’s decision. I believe there will be matches where we can play together, and ultimately, the opposing teams will be the ones to suffer because we are all good at breaking down defenses."
Aziz Ki expressed that the addition of Chama, Dube, and Baleke will make his job easier, a role that sometimes cost the team last season.
He mentioned that the new and existing players have strengthened Yanga further, and opponents should be prepared for a tough challenge.
Aziz Ki, who finished as the top scorer of the Premier League with 21 goals and eight assists, praised the club's signings aimed at achieving their objectives, especially in the CAF Champions League.
He believes they can even reach the finals after last season's quarter-final exit. "Many signings have been made, but I am happy to play alongside Chama and Dube.
They will reduce my responsibilities, especially in the attacking area next season. However, this does not mean that I will not score when I get the chance,” he said.
Aziz Ki stressed that he stayed at Yanga to continue fighting for the team's success, especially to wear the CAF Champions League medals after wearing the Federation Cup medals in the past two seasons.
