Yanga celebrate 90 years with clash against Kenya’s Bandari

Yanga players gear up for Bandari clash in 90th anniversary celebrations at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.  PHOTO | COURTESY


What you need to know:

  • The centerpiece of the celebrations, kicking off at 7 pm, is a highly anticipated friendly international clash against Kenyan Premier League side Bandari FC

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Mainland champions, Young Africans SC (Yanga) today mark their 90th anniversary, famously celebrated as Mwananchi Day, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The event promises a spectacular fusion of football, music, and entertainment, reflecting the club’s storied history and passionate fanbase.

The centerpiece of the celebrations, kicking off at 7 pm, is a highly anticipated friendly international clash against Kenyan Premier League side Bandari FC. Fans can expect an intense, high-octane match filled with thrilling moments on the pitch.

Beyond the marquee fixture, Mwananchi Day provides the perfect platform for unveiling Yanga’s new signings for the 2025/2026 season.

Supporters will meet head coach Romain Folz, his technical staff, and players tasked with defending the Tanzania Mainland Premier League, CRDB Federation Cup, and Community Shield, while aiming for a strong campaign in the CAF Champions League.

Folz is supported by assistants Manu Rodriguez, Majdi Mnasria, Tshephang Mokaila, technical director Paul Matthews, and team manager Walter Harrison. The 2025/2026 squad is bolstered by exciting new additions.

Up front, 24-year-old striker Andy Boyeli, fresh from a loan spell at Sekhukhune United in South Africa, joins Prince Dube in attack.

Midfield reinforcements include Lassine Kouma (jersey number 8) from Stade Malien, Balla Conte from CS Sfaxien, Mohamed Doumbia, and Chad’s playmaker Ecua Elastin, who registered 15 goals and 12 assists last season.

The defense has been strengthened with Abubakar Nizar Othuman “Ninju”, Frank Assinki, Kouassi Yao, Israel Mwenda, Kibwana Shomari, Chadrack Boka, Mohammed “Tshabalala” Hussein, Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad, Dickson Job, and Bakari Mwamnyeto, forming a formidable backline ready for domestic and continental challenges.

Mwananchi Day is not just about football. Tanzanian superstar Zuchu will headline the musical lineup, joined by Meja Kunta, Dogo Paten, and other popular artists, promising nonstop entertainment off the pitch.

The celebrations also feature curtain-raiser matches showcasing Yanga’s youth and veteran squads. Fans will witness games involving the U-17, U-20, women’s, veteran, and Yanga leaders’ teams, highlighting the club’s commitment to nurturing talent and maintaining a strong development pipeline.