Yanga begin title defence

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions Young Africans (Yanga) are today going to kick off their title defence against Kagera Sugar at the Kaitaba Stadium in Kagera Region.

The encounter is set to start at 5pm, and both teams are eager to launch their league campaigns on a positive note.

 Yanga did show their impressive performance recently in the CAF Champions League, when they eliminated Vital'O of Burundi on 10-0 aggregate score.

Yanga's confidence will likely be high, despite facing a formidable opponent, Kagera Sugar, who proved to be a tough competitor last season when Yanga were held to a goalless draw in the first leg held at the same venue on February 2, 2024.

In the return leg held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Yanga narrowly won 1-0 through Mudathir Yahya in the 82nd minute after being set up by Stephane Aziz Ki.

This season, Yanga head coach Miguel Gamondi will likely be determined to secure a convincing victory to start their title defence on a strong footing.

Gamondi expressed his confidence in his squad's preparations and emphasized the importance of starting the league on a positive note. 

"We are the defending champions, and this is the start of the league. Every team have prepared well and are targeting victory.

“But I am proud of my players; they are in good shape and ready to compete," said Gamondi.

He also highlighted the morale within the team, citing that his players like Jean Baleke and Shadrack Boka, who have been cleared to play after resolving registration issues, are now available for selection.

  Argentinian national Gamondi is optimistic about the team's striking force, which includes clinical strikers such as Prince Dube, Clement Mzize, and Kennedy Musonda. Baleke, who recently made headlines by scoring a goal in his debut match against FC Augsburg in South Africa, is also expected to play a crucial role. Yanga’s attacking midfielders, Clatous Chama, Stephane Aziz Ki, Maxi Nzengeli, Mudathir Yahya, and Pacome Zouzoua showed impressive form in pre-season matches and the CAF Champions League.

"We are ready, and the players are in high spirit. We want to start the league with a win, and I believe in the abilities of my team," he said.

On the other hand, Kagera Sugar head coach Paul Nkata is equally confident of his team’s preparations.

Being aware of Yanga's strength, Nkata said he believes his players are ready to face the challenge and aim for a positive result. 

"It is going to be a tough match, but we have prepared well, and my players are in high spirit to give their best," Nkata remarked.

Nkata's confidence is not to be downplayed, as his side managed to hold Yanga to a goalless draw last season, proving that they can compete against the league’s best team.

With a solid defensive setup and a well-prepared squad, Kagera Sugar aim to capitalize on their home ground advantage and start the season with a strong performance. 

The clash at the Kaitaba Stadium is expected to be a thriller, with Yanga being determined to kick start their title defence with a victory while Kagera Sugar aiming to upset the champions.