Gamondi unfazed by Mamelodi Sundowns in CAF group stage

Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) head coach Miguel Gamondi has confidently stated that he is unfazed by any rivals they may face in the group stage of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League.

Yanga,  in Pot 2, are grouped alongside CR Belouizdad of Algeria, Raja Club Athletic of Morocco, and Pyramids FC of Egypt.

This positioning means Yanga could find themselves facing a formidable team from Pot 1 that includes defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt, Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and TP Mazembe of DR Congo.

Aside from that, Yanga's group will also take on a team from Pot 3 that has  Al Hilal of Sudan, Orlando Pirates (South Africa), Sagrada Esperança (Angola) and  AS FAR of Morocco.

Completing the group stage, Yanga will face one team from Pot 4 with MC Alger of Algeria, Djoliba (Mali), AS Maniema Union (DR Congo) and  Stade d’Abidjan of Ivory Coast.

Despite the tough competition ahead, Gamondi expressed his readiness to lead Yanga through this challenge.

He firmly believes that the team possesses the quality and experience required to compete against Africa’s best.

"We have strengthened our squad and are prepared to deliver the best results against any opponents. Yanga are a big club, and we must face the so-called giants head-on. We respect them, but we do not fear them," said Gamondi.

Reflecting on their past performances, Gamondi stressed Yanga’s achievements in the last edition, where they faced top teams like Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, and CR Belouizdad, emerging with respectable results. 

“Our fans should remember that we have already competed against these giants and managed to hold our ground. We are ready for any challenge, as we are one of the biggest clubs on the continent,” he added.

Gamondi also praised the dedication and ambition of his players, who are eager to make history both in Tanzania and across Africa.

He explained that the squad is motivated and determined to represent the club with pride and professionalism.

However, Gamondi acknowledged the challenge posed by the congested football calendar, which affects preparations for the group stage.

“We won't have any special preparations due to the tight football schedule both in Tanzania and across the continent.

“Despite that, I’m not complaining; rather, I’m happy because 14 of our players are regularly called up to their respective national teams,” he said.

He noted that while it is an honour for Yanga players to represent their countries, the tight schedule makes it difficult for them to get enough rest. 

“This situation is a bit challenging for us technically, as our players are always on a tight schedule. But despite this, we are committed to delivering our best performance in the group stage,” he said.

Yanga fans will be eagerly awaiting the official draw, as their team prepares to take on Africa’s finest in the CAF Champions League.