Mayele says Yanga will shine in CAF Champions League, hints at return

Dar es Salaam. Egyptian side Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele has expressed confidence that his former club, Young Africans (Yanga), will perform well in this season's CAF Champions League.

Yanga will be in action tomorrow, September 14, 2024, facing Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League at Addis Ababa Stadium, with the match kicking off at 3pm East Africa time.

Speaking recently in Dar es Salaam, Mayele said that Yanga have recruited strong and committed players who are "hungry" for success.

He noted that the club management has brought in players who have strengthened the team and are already contributing to its success.

Read: Former Yanga striker Mayele regrets playing in Tanzania

He stressed that Yanga have quality players well-suited for international competitions, bringing a wealth of experience to the field.

"Yanga's management has signed the best players without overhauling the entire squad. The new players have added significant value to the team, making it stronger," said Mayele. He also commended Yanga’s management for their excellent player selection.

"You can see how Yanga players are playing with determination. They have great players who play with speed and high morale. Last season, they made good signings, and this season, they have added more quality players.

 I even told Yanga President, Engineer Hersi, that I congratulated him and other leaders for the excellent signings, and he also congratulated me for doing well in the Premier League in Egypt," added Mayele.

Mayele also wished the team all the best in the CAF Champions League and the Premier League. "If they continue fighting like this, they will perform well and go far," he said.

The striker, who played for Yanga from 2021 to 2023 before moving to Egypt's Pyramids FC, hinted that he might return to Tanzania someday because he considers it his home.

"I am very happy to be back here. Tanzania is home, and even my recognition started here. God willing, one day I might return," he said.

Mayele also noted that the Egyptian league, where he currently plays, is tougher than the Tanzanian league.

"The Egyptian league is tougher than Tanzania's; there are many challenges, especially for foreign players. Almost all the teams you play against are very strong, but I have managed to cope, and I thank God that I am now accustomed to it," he said.

Mayele finished as the second top scorer in Egypt with 14 goals, behind Wessam Abou Ali of Al Ahly, a Palestinian player who won the Golden Boot award with 18 goals.

Mayele's time at Yanga was marked by significant achievements, including becoming a hero among the club's fans.

Read: How Mayele's exit propelled Yanga into spotlight as Aziz Ki shakes up team dynamics

His memorable goal during a Charity Shield game against arch-rivals Simba SC, witnessed by a packed Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, endeared him to the green and yellow faithfuls.

Over the course of 54 matches, Mayele netted an impressive 50 goals for the Jangwani Street giants.