Hersi says Aziz Ki, other key players won’t leave Yanga
Yanga players, officials and their fans feature in the special trophy parade to celebrate their 30th Mainland Tanzania Premier League title in Dares Salaam. PHOTO | LOVENESS BERNARD
What you need to know:
- Apart from that, the club’s leadership has assured its members and fans that they will strengthen their squad by signing more star players
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga), buoyed by their recent league triumph, have moved to quell anxieties surrounding potential player departures.
Club president Hersi Said addressed a special trophy parade that snaked through Dar es Salaam, culminating at the club’s Jangwani headquarters.
His speech reassured fans and members of the club’s commitment to retaining its core talent and bolstering the squad for the upcoming season.
These assurances come amidst a swirl of speculation regarding the futures of several key players.
Attacking midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki, captain Bakari Mwamnyeto, and right-back Kibwana Shomari are just a few whose contracts expire at the season’s end. Their potential exits had sparked concerns about a potential weakening of the squad.
However, Hersi sought to dispel these fears. “There will be no exodus of star players,” he declared firmly. “Our leadership is fully committed to retaining all our talented players. We are actively seeking to bring in the best new talent as well, ensuring a strong squad for next season.”
Hersi went on to outline a two-pronged strategy for the upcoming campaign. First and foremost, Yanga remains determined to maintain their stranglehold on domestic silverware. The club will strive to defend their Mainland Tanzania Premier League title and secure another triumph in the Federation Cup.
Secondly, Hersi emphasized the club’s ambitions on the continental stage. Having reached the CAF Champions League quarterfinals in the recent edition, Yanga now set their sights even higher.
“We want to go beyond that next time,” Hersi declared, underscoring the club’s desire to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with in African football.
Hersi’s address was not solely focused on player recruitment and competition strategies. He took the opportunity to express his sincere gratitude to the fans and members whose unwavering support has fueled the club’s success.
Yanga’s Assistant Captain Dickson Job echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the pivotal role fans played in securing the club’s 30th league title.
Looking ahead, Job turned the focus to the upcoming CRDB Federation Cup challenge. Yanga will face rivals Azam FC on June 2nd at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
“We are the defending champions,” Job stated confidently, “and we’re aiming for a historic third consecutive title.Your continued support will be absolutely crucial in achieving this goal.”
With Hersi’s reassurances and a clear roadmap for the future, Yanga appears determined to enter the next season with renewed vigor.
The fans, undoubtedly, will be eager to see their heroes retain domestic dominance while making a deeper impression on the continental stage.
