Tanzania soccer giants Yanga ups squad building momentum ahead of new season

Dar es Salaam. Yanga SC is gearing up to enter camp today, Monday, at Avic Town in Dar es Salaam, yet their squad for the upcoming 2024-2025 season remains a work in progress.

After announcing former Highlanders and Azam FC striker Prince Dube late the other night, Yanga also introduced new left-back Chadrack Boka yesterday.

Boka has been in the country and ready to start, having joined from FC Lupopo in DR Congo. Boka will fill the position left by his compatriot Joyce Lomalisa, whose time with Yanga has come to an end following the expiration of his contract.

However, reports obtained by Mwanaspoti indicate that apart from Boka, only one more star signing has been finalized, namely striker Jean Baleke.

Besides Baleke, Yanga is still pursuing two significant signings, potentially a winger for either flank, after the club decided against signing Manu Lobota.

Yanga's management remains keen on winger Phillipe Kinzumbi, awaiting clarity on his contract status after the Congolese player informed the club that his contract had expired, despite his club claiming he still has a year remaining.

In addition to Kinzumbi, who was previously linked with a move to Morocco that fell through, Yanga is also awaiting the arrival of winger Agee Basiala, who will join his Union Maniema squad later this week.

Union Maniema is set to set up their preseason camp in Tanzania, with a strong possibility of being based at AVIC Town, where Yanga's management intends to assess Basiala for a second time.

Apart from strengthening the wing positions, Yanga is also considering the recruitment of a crucial central midfielder, preparing for a scenario without Khalid Aucho, recognizing the impact of his potential absence on the team's strength.

Yanga has already let go of midfielder Gift Mauya, who joined Singida Black Stars after his contract expired, and has faced complications with the signing of Yusuf Kagoma.

Yanga also has their sights on midfielder Onoya Sangana from Maniema, with club officials acknowledging his potential while emphasizing the need for further development.

"As the team embarks on preseason camp, the process of finalizing key squad additions continues. Our goal is to ensure everything is in place for the upcoming season," stated a senior Yanga official.

Yanga Sports Club, boasting 30 Mainland Premier League titles since 1965, remains committed to building a competitive squad for the challenges ahead.