Manji’s resignation puzzle
Yanga chairman Yusuf Manji (right) speaks with club’s elders secretary Ibrahim Akilimali during a past meeting. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- The city businessman, who expressed his intention to take over the club management for a decade, is reportedly annoyed by a section of influential Yanga members, thus dropping a hint over a possible resignation. A credible Yanga insider intimated to The Citizen yesterday that Manji is on the brink of making a resignation decision and would make it public sooner rather than later.
Dar es Salaam. Conflict may be brewing at Young Africans SC as their chairman; Yusuf Manji ponders stepping down from his position.
The city businessman, who expressed his intention to take over the club management for a decade, is reportedly annoyed by a section of influential Yanga members, thus dropping a hint over a possible resignation. A credible Yanga insider intimated to The Citizen yesterday that Manji is on the brink of making a resignation decision and would make it public sooner rather than later.
“He seems to have made up his mind after a storm of criticism over his desire to be a lessee of the club for 10 years. He will certainly make it public soon,” said the insider who sought anonymity.
“Manji has plainly expressed his discontent with some individuals who are questioning his intention to take over the Yanga management.
“He was to announce his resignation today (yesterday) after Yanga elders’ secretary (Ibrahim Akilimali) railed against him via a radio station. He was upset and he will certainly make a decision that will shock many members and fans.”
Akilimali, a controversial figure at the Jangwani Street club, went on record attacking the chairman for his request to be lessee of the 81-year-old club.
Asked for confirmation, Yanga secretary general Baraka Deusdedit was not ready to go into the details, saying he did not have official information.
“I can’t say anything definitive; I have heard and read over Manji’s intention to resign, but I don’t have any official information over such a big decision,” said Desdedit.
“If it is true, we will communicate, but for now, let’s wait for him to respond to the rumours.”
The general meeting gave Manji the nod to run the club for the next decade, thus should he resign, the club members are likely to protest vehemently.
A prominent Yanga member, Hassan Mussa, told this reporter yesterday that they were shocked at the news of Manji’s possible resignation.
“We are in a shock, Manji has done a lot for this club and his absence will have big repercussions on the team. We urge him not take haste decisions because it is the club that will be a loser,” he said.
Yanga will face Azam FC in a Community Shield match at the National Stadium tomorrow. The match marks the beginning of a new Premier League season.
