Yanga: No player moving to Ahly

Dar es Salaam. Young Africans have dismissed widespread rumours linking their three star players with transfers to Egyptian champions Al Ahly. Rumours had it that Al Ahly have initiated talks to sign the trio of shot-stopper Deo Munishi, defender Nadir Haroub and striker Didier Kavumbagu when the Vodacom Premier League climaxes next month.

However, Yanga information officer Baraka Kizuguto played down the rumours, saying they were false and that the club was not in talks with the reigning African champions over the players.

“Al Ahly have not inquired availability of any Yanga player, so what has been written by a section of media is untrue and baseless,” said Kizuguto.

“After all, Yanga does not intend to sell their stars unless a drastic offer is tabled. We want to build a formidable team for we hope to compete in the Champions League next season,” he added.

Haroub alias Canavaro scored the winner against Al Ahly in the first leg of the Champions League and Munishi was outstanding between the posts in the return leg when Yanga lost 4-3 on post-match shootouts.

Responding to the rumours, head coach Hans Van Pluijm said he was unaware of Ahly’s interest, stressing that it was a predictable rumour after the trio impressed over the two legs.

“I know nothing about Al Ahly’s interest in the players, if it was true we should have been told, but I think such rumours are common especially when players perform well against a top team,” said the Dutchman.

“Well, players searching for green pastures is normal and good for the club if the right price is paid, it is also good for the national team, but Yanga still need them because we have an unfinished business in the premiership,” Pluijm said.

Yanga jetted into the country yesterday morning and received a warm welcome from a handful of fans who turned up at the Julius Nyerere International Airport.