How Azam FC plots quietly for the 2024/25 Tanzania Mainland Premiership title

Dar es Salaam. As the curtain falls on another exhilarating season of football, the anticipation for what lies ahead intensifies, with teams already gearing up for the challenges of the next campaign.

Among them, Azam FC emerge as an early frontrunner in the race to fortify their squad for the upcoming battles on the pitch.

Indeed, Azam FC didn't wait for the conclusion of the 2023/24 league before setting their sights on the following season and plotting for the league title.

 As early as March, they began strategically introducing new talent, fortifying their ranks, and laying the groundwork for an exhilarating journey in the world of football ahead.

They started with the acquisition of Yoro Diaby, a formidable defender hailing from Mali.

Diaby, whose prowess was honed at the Yeleen Olympique academy, arrives at the Chamazi-based side from Stade Malien, where he showcased his skills on loan.

The roster expansion continued with the introduction of Frank Tiesse, an Ivorian dynamo, from the same time as Diaby.

Tiesse had had taken over as skipper at Stade Malien after Djigui Diarra left the team for Young Africans (Yanga) in the 2021/2022 season.

As the season approached its climax, Azam FC amplified their global reach by enlisting the talents of two Colombian sensations.

Ever Meza, a versatile midfielder, and Jhonier Blanco, a commanding centre-forward, now stand poised to leave an indelible mark on the Tanzanian football landscape.

All these meticulous preparations hint at the fact that Azam FC, with their formidable financial muscles, are determined to transcend the shadows cast by formidable adversaries such as the Msimbazi giants, Simba, and the indomitable Jangwani Street stalwarts, Yanga.

Indeed, this appears to be a continuation of strategies that took root during the 2021/22 season, a pivotal period marked by the transition of the Tanzania Mainland Premier League from 18 teams to 16.

Throughout this transformative phase, the steady ascent of Azam FC have been unmistakable, a testament to their commitment to progress and excellence.

At the culmination of the 2023/2024 season, Azam FC had amassed an impressive total of 69 points, showcasing a noteworthy increase of 10 points compared to the preceding season.

Such a remarkable improvement underscores the club's dedication to continuous growth and performance enhancement.

Should Azam FC replicate their pattern of improvement by accruing an additional 10 points in the upcoming season, they would reach a formidable tally of 79 points.

Historically, such a tally has consistently proven to be championship-winning, given the structure of the league with 16 teams.

This trend underscores not only the significance of incremental progress but also the potential for Azam FC to ascend to the pinnacle of Tanzanian football, securing coveted championship honors in the process.

(In the 2023/2024 season Yanga were declared the champions this season with just 71 points.)

As scholars often affirm, 'numbers don't lie,' and the statistics from Azam FC indeed underline a promising groundwork for their future endeavors.

When you juxtapose these achievements with the caliber of players they have acquired, the potential for even greater success becomes palpable.

Yoro Mamadou Diaby

He emerges as a product of the esteemed Yeleen Olympique Academy in Mali, a renowned cradle for nurturing exceptional football talent.

Born on February 11, 2001, he has matured into a 23-year-old athlete of remarkable prowess.

His journey through Mali's youth national teams, from the under-17s to the under-23s, signifies a pedigree steeped in experience and skill development.

Notably, he distinguished himself as a pivotal member of the CHAN national team, even assuming the role of assistant captain.

In the thrilling encounter against Angola during the CHAN tournament, Yoro's star shone brightly as he orchestrated a remarkable comeback, propelling Mali to salvage a 3-3 draw from a daunting 3-0 deficit.

His pivotal goal in the 72nd minute showcased his resilience and ability to deliver under pressure, cementing his status as a match-winner.

Transitioning to his club duties with Stade Malien, Yoro's impact was palpable as he played an instrumental role in guiding his team to the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Despite the ultimate elimination, his contributions were nothing short of heroic, single-handedly shouldering the goal-scoring responsibilities for his team.

In both quarter-final matches, he showcased his predatory instincts by finding the back of the net, ensuring parity in the first leg with a crucial goal and demonstrating his tenacity in the face of adversity.

Frank Tiesse

A prominent player in the Ivorian league he forged his footballing path alongside Kipre Jr at Sol FC (Stars Olympic FC).

Born on December 17, 1997, he now stands as a seasoned 26-year-old athlete.

As the esteemed captain of Stade Malien, Tiesse has etched his name among the standout performers in the fiercely contested CAF Confederation Cup tournament.

Remarkably, according to the esteemed FootMob website, Tiesse's impact transcends mere statistics, as he masterfully engineered 15 goal-scoring opportunities across the seven matches he graced in the CAF Confederation Cup.

This staggering feat positions him as a pivotal architect of attacking prowess, unrivaled by any other tournament contestant this season.

Moreover, Tiesse's prowess extends beyond orchestrating scoring chances, as he adeptly maneuvers the ball with finesse and flair, leading the tournament in successful dribbles.

In this regard, he outshines even Kipre Junior, affirming his supremacy in the art of dribbling and showcasing a skill set that elevates him to a league of his own.

Ever Meza

He is a midfielder of considerable repute who commands admiration for his versatility and skill on the field.

Born on July 21, 2000, in Colombia, he boasts the full name of Ever William Meza Mercado.

His proficiency extends across all midfield positions, as well as in central defense and on the flanks, showcasing a multifaceted approach to the beautiful game.

Meza's pedigree is further underscored by his participation in prestigious tournaments such as the Copa Sudamericana, a stage equivalent to the CAF Confederation Cup in Africa.

This experience speaks volumes about his ability to perform on the grandest stages of continental football, showcasing his composure and talent under pressure.

Previously donning the colors of Leonnes FC, Meza encountered the tumultuous realm of football relegation.

Despite the team's unfortunate descent from the Colombian Premier League, Meza's career trajectory did not falter.

Rather than succumbing to the fate of relegation, he embarked on a new chapter, showcasing his resilience and determination.

Loaned to Alianza FC, he seized the opportunity to ply his trade in the Copa Sudamericana, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to excellence on the field.

Jhonier Blanco

The top scorer of the Colombian first-division league. The guy knows how to score; he knows how to find the net.

His full name is Jhonier Alfonso Blanco Yus. He was born on October 18, 2000, in Colombia, and he is coming to Tanzania from the Aguilas Club.

Last season, while playing for Fortaleza, Blanco was the top scorer in the Colombian first-division league, with 13 goals. The sequence shows likewise with the signings... Let's wait and see.