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It is Mwananchi Day
What you need to know:
- The encounter, which is scheduled to start at 7 pm, is aimed by Yanga, among other things, to introduce their new signings.
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) today play against South Africa giants, Kaizer Chiefs, to mark the 88th anniversary of their Jangwani Street Club.
The encounter, which is scheduled to start at 7 pm, is aimed by Yanga, among other things, to introduce their new signings.
The match is also part of the team’s preparations for the Community Shield competition scheduled to take place at the Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga Region, where Yanga will take on Azam FC.
The new players recruited so far by Yanga are Maxi Nzengeli Mpia from the DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union, Mahatse Makudubela alias Skudu (Marumo Gallants, South Africa), and Jonas Mkude, a former Simba Sports Club holding midfielder.
Also, on the list are Yao Attohoula and Pacome Zouzoua, both from Asec Mimosas; Gift Fred (Sports Club Villa) and Nickson Kibabage from Singida Fountain Gate.
The new players join others who have remained in the team including Djigui Diarra, Metacha Mnata, Abutwalib Mshery, Lomalisa Mutambala, Kibwana Shomari, Dickson Job, Ibrahim Abdallah Hamad (Bacca) and Bakari Mwamnyeto.
They also team up with Khalid Aucho, Stephane Aziz KI, Zawadi Mauya, Jesus Moloko, Mamadou Doumbia, Farid Mussa, Salum Abubakari, Mudathir Yahaya, Dennis Nkane, and Francis Mzize.
The Kaizer encounter will also be the first test of the team’s new tactician, Miguel Gamondi, who has replaced Nasreddine Nabi, who has joined the Association of Sports of the Forces Armed Royal (AS FAR).
Gamondi is assisted by Moussa Ndaw from Senegal.
Today’s activities will start at 9am and Yanga’s leaders have urged the club’s supporters to turn up in large numbers at the stadium.
Young Africans (Yanga) players celebrate after winning a past match. PHOTO | COURTESY
Speaking yesterday, Argentinian Gamondi said he is expecting to field the players who have somehow attained the level of fitness.
He said some of the players are not fit enough as they just attended training two days ago.
“There are some players, who are fit enough for the encounter while others are not and the latter will technically not play throughout the maximum number of minutes.
“It is a special day, and they will be at the venue as per the requirements of the day. They can play for just 20 minutes or less than that,” said Gamondi.
He said he is very happy to see some of the players have responded well to his training and he believes they will catch up before the league starts.
“We are still in training, and I am sure we will attain our level of fitness before the start of the league.
“Saturday’s (today) encounter is special for unveiling the team’s squad to the fans and members only,” he said.
For his part, Makudubela said he is ready to play for Yanga for the first time and called upon fans and members of the club to turn up en masse in order to give them support.
He said he is experienced in both local and international competitions and as a new player at Yanga, he will do his best in order to help the team achieve their goals.
“I will be playing for the first time in Tanzania. The good thing is that I am with the country’s champions with two trophies and with the runners-up of the CAF Confederation Cup.
“I am joining the team that has attained achievements, and my task will be to play my role in maintaining the status of the team by shining again the next season,” said Makudubela.
The last edition of Mwananchi Day, which was coloured by various events of entertainment, saw Yanga losing 2-0 to Vipers FC of Uganda.
