Government permits Yanga to build modern stadium at Jangwani
Young Africans (Yanga) head coach, Miguel Gamondi (centre), applauds shortly after being introduced to continue his role coaching the team for the next season during the club’s Annual General Meeting held at JNICC yesterday. Left is the Minister of Culture, Arts, and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, and right is the club’s president, Hersi Said. PHOTO | MICHAEL MATAMANGA
What you need to know:
- The club have been planning this for a long time but has faced several setbacks from the authorities due to various reasons.
Dar es Salaam. Finally, the government has granted permission to Young Africans (Yanga) to construct a modern stadium in the Jangwani area.
The club have been planning this for a long time but has faced several setbacks from the authorities due to various reasons.
The long wait came to an end yesterday during the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) after the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government, Mohammed Mchengerwa, announced the government’s decision.
Mchengerwa said that Yanga are allowed to build the modern stadium but have been given a specific timeframe to complete the project, and failure to do so would result in revocation.
He said that the allocated area occupies 57 acres and Yanga have been given space to construct the stadium with a capacity of 20,000 people.
Mchengerwa explained that Yanga’s modern stadium will be in parallel with the Msimbazi River Development Project, which will transform the Dar es Salaam region.
“Already, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has allocated more than Sh400 billion for the project. We have informed Yanga leaders that they have to submit their design and provide a mechanism on how they will complete the project within the timeframe. If you fail to meet the deadline, we will not hesitate to revoke the permission,” said Mchengerwa.
Earlier, Yanga’s president, Hersi Saidi, disclosed that there are already stakeholders ready to invest in the project.
“We have stakeholders like CRDB Bank, NMB Bank, and NBC Bank who are ready for the project. Also on the list is Gharib Said Mohamed (GSM), who is ready to contribute to the project,” said Hersi.
He explained that Yanga has the mission and vision to own their own modern stadium that would be used for league matches and friendlies.
Gamondi’s contract renewed
Yanga’s leadership also announced during the AGM that the team’s head coach, Miguel Gamondi, has renewed his contract with the club for another season.
Gamondi’s future was uncertain as his contract had expired at the end of the previous season, and various clubs in Africa were seeking his services.
Yanga incur losses
Mainland Tanzania Premier League champions, Young Africans (Yanga), have incurred a significant loss of Sh1.1 billion for the recently concluded 2023/2024 Mainland Premier League season.
According to the financial report released yesterday, Yanga earned a total of Sh21.2 billion from various income sources but spent Sh22.3 billion to cover various costs throughout the season.
The financial report detailed the club’s earnings, revealing that Yanga garnered Sh10.2 billion from sponsorship and broadcasting rights.
Gate earnings from various matches contributed Sh1.5 billion, and the club collected Sh613.3 million from membership fees. Yanga secured Sh3.5 billion from prize money and accumulated Sh5.5 billion from other diverse sources of income.
On the expenditure side, the report indicated substantial spending across several categories.
Yanga allocated Sh7.4 billion to player salaries, stressing the club’s commitment to retaining top talent and maintaining competitive team performance.
Furthermore, Sh3.5 billion was spent on player registration and transfers, highlighting the club’s investment in strengthening its squad.
Some notable players who joined the club were Pacome Zouzoua, Guft Fred, Augustine Okrah, Yao Kouassi, and Joseph Guede.
The Jangwani Street giants also incurred significant costs for logistical needs, spending Sh2.9 billion on transport, food, and accommodation for players and staff.
