Azam FC Chief Executive Officer Octavi Anoro (right) poses with new signing Nigerian right-back Taiwo Abdulrafiu, who joined the club from Rivers United. PHOTO | COURTESY
The Chamazi-based side has made significant changes to its squad, with several established players making way as the club looks to build a stronger team capable of competing for domestic and continental honours
Dar es Salaam. Azam FC have continued their major squad rebuilding exercise ahead of the 2026/27 season, releasing nine players while bringing in a number of new faces as head coach Florent Ibenge prepares his team for another demanding campaign.
The Chamazi-based side has made significant changes to its squad, with several established players making way as the club looks to build a stronger team capable of competing for domestic and continental honours.
Among the most notable departures are three players who featured regularly under Ibenge last season—defensive midfielder James Akaminko and central strikers Jephte Kitambala and Jacques Ngita. The trio played important roles in the team during the previous campaign, with their exits marking a major shift in Ibenge’s plans as he reshapes the squad.
Also leaving Azam is defender Yoro Diaby, who was another player trusted by the coach and featured prominently in the team's defensive setup. The other players released are Nathaniel Chilambo, Adolf Mtasingwa, Abah Abel, Tepsie Evans and Muhsin Malima, taking the total number of departures to nine.
Two of the released players have already secured new clubs, with Mtasingwa joining South African giants Kaizer Chiefs, while Chilambo has moved to Mainland Premier League rivals Simba.
As part of their rebuilding strategy, Azam have responded by strengthening their squad with several new signings from different leagues.
The club has added French midfielder Donovan Makoma from Maltese Premier League side Birkirkara, while Congolese midfielder Caleb Ilese has also joined to provide more options in the middle of the pitch.
In defence, Azam have recruited Nigerian right-back Taiwo Abdulrafiu from Rivers United, Congolese centre-back Lupini Dieumerci from AS Maniema, and Henri Stanic from South African club Stellenbosch.
The attacking department has also received major reinforcements, with Sudan international striker John Mano arriving from Libyan side Al Akhdar. Ugandan winger Hassan Mubiru has joined from SC Villa, while DR Congo winger Henoc Molia has signed from St. Eloi Lupopo.
The club has also brought back former striker Kipre Junior after completing his transfer from Algerian side MC Alger, adding more experience to the attacking line.
Meanwhile, Azam FC will begin their pre-season preparations today before travelling to Kigali, Rwanda, where they will hold a training camp and play several friendly matches as part of their preparations for the new season.
The Kigali camp will provide Ibenge with an opportunity to assess his new signings, build combinations and prepare his squad ahead of the competitive campaign. After completing their pre-season programme in Rwanda, Azam are scheduled to return to Tanzania on August 8 to continue preparations before the start of the 2026/2027 season.
