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Why Yanga chose Esperance over Umm Salal for Mzize deal
Yanga foward, Clement Mzize
What you need to know:
- According to sources within Yanga, Umm Salal tabled a bid of $900,000 (Sh2.2 billion) along with a proposed monthly salary of $20,000 (Sh50 million) for the player.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions Young Africans SC (Yanga) have made a decisive call in one of the biggest transfer stories of their season, opting to pursue a deal with Tunisian heavyweights Esperance Sportive de Tunis for striker Clement Mzize, while rejecting an offer from Qatari side Umm Salal SC.
Mzize, a young and promising forward who has risen rapidly in Yanga’s ranks, had attracted strong interest from both clubs.
According to sources within Yanga, Umm Salal tabled a bid of $900,000 (Sh2.2 billion) along with a proposed monthly salary of $20,000 (Sh50 million) for the player.
On paper, the financial package was substantial, but Yanga’s leadership made it clear that money alone was not the deciding factor.
A senior club official explained that the main reason for turning down Umm Salal’s offer was the stature and competitiveness of the Qatari side.
“Umm Salal are not among the big clubs in Qatar, and last season they finished in the lower positions of their league,” the official said. “For a young player like Mzize, whose potential is very high, we believe it is important for him to join a giant club in the continent or at least an average team in Europe.”
Yanga’s concern was that a move to Umm Salal could hinder Mzize’s growth by placing him in a less competitive environment.
“To allow Mzize to join Umm Salal is to risk tarnishing his talent,” the official stressed. “We want a club where he will be challenged to fight for his place, showcase his ability, and grow in a competitive setting.”
In contrast, Esperance’s proposal ticked all the right boxes for Yanga. The Tunisian champions tabled an offer of $1,000,000 (Sh2.6 billion) — slightly higher than Umm Salal’s — and brought with it the prestige of one of Africa’s most successful football clubs.
Esperance are four-time CAF Champions League winners and last season secured their 34th Tunisian league title, cementing their place at the top of North African football.
“In terms of level, Esperance are among the biggest teams on the continent, on par with Zamalek of Egypt and giants like Wydad Casablanca,” the Yanga source noted.
“We have a history of doing business with clubs of that calibre — remember our deal with Wydad for Stephane Aziz Ki. Esperance fit perfectly in that category.” For Yanga, the choice is not only about the immediate transfer fee but also the broader footballing benefits for both player and club.
