Yanga face uncertainty as Clubs vie for Azizi Ki's signature

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian champions Yanga have acknowledged the possibility of losing their star player Stephane Azizi Ki on a free transfer, as several clubs from Northern and Southern Africa are pursuing the talented midfielder's signature.

Speaking to Soccer Laduma, Yanga's President Hersi Said admitted that the situation is no longer solely within their control, given the level of interest the player has generated.

Read: Aziz Ki is a free agent despite his pledges to stay with Yanga

"Negotiations are ongoing, but we have not yet reached an agreement with any party. Despite not intending to let Azizi Ki go, his status as the NBC Premier League Top Scorer means we face the risk of losing him," said Engineer Hersi.

"We signed him on a two-year contract which expired on June 30, so those interested are in direct talks with him. On our part, discussions are ongoing, but little progress has been limited," he added.

Yanga's delay in renewing the attacking midfielder's contract may require the club to offer a substantial signing bonus and improved terms to compete with other interested clubs, particularly those from North Africa.

As the preseason kicks off, Yanga is scheduled to participate in a mini-tournament in South Africa later this month, facing Bundesliga side Augsburg, TS Galaxy, and Eswatini Champions Mbabane Swallows.

In another development, the Jangwani side is also lined up to play against Kaizer Chiefs in the Toyota Cup in South Africa.