Yanga officially unveil Romain Folz as new head coach
What you need to know:
- The Frenchman will also be tasked with maintaining Yanga’s hold on local silverware, including the Union Cup and FA Cup, both of which were secured in the previous season
Dar es Salaam. Mainland giants Young Africans (Yanga SC) have turned to experienced French tactician Romain Folz to lead their technical bench for the 2025–2026 season, signaling a bold statement of intent in both domestic and continental football.
At just 35 years old, Folz arrives at Yanga with an impressive résumé that spans multiple countries and competitions—especially across Africa—making him a fitting figure to take the reins at one of East Africa’s most successful clubs.
The highly qualified coach, who holds both UEFA Pro and CONBEL Pro licenses, replaces Miloud Hamdi, who recently departed for Egyptian side Ismaily SC after a triumphant six-month spell that saw him deliver a domestic treble: the Mainland Premier League, Union Cup, and FA Cup.
Yanga’s decision to appoint Folz underscores the club’s growing ambition to cement its dominance at home while making significant strides on the continental stage, particularly in the CAF Champions League.
His deep familiarity with African football—from North to West, Central to Southern Africa—sets him apart as more than just a European coach abroad.
Born in Bordeaux, France, Folz began his coaching career in 2018 with West Virginia United in the United States before returning to Africa, where he steadily built a reputation as a tactically astute and adaptive coach.
His early roles included assistant coaching stints with the Uganda national team and Egyptian powerhouse Pyramids FC.
He was later appointed head coach of Bechem United and Ashanti Gold in Ghana, showcasing his ability to work with limited resources while building competitive squads.
His journey continued in Botswana with Township Rollers and then in South Africa, where he took charge of Marumo Gallants, becoming the youngest coach in the league. His work with AmaZulu FC earned him a promotion to Technical Director in 2023.
Folz's recent roles include a spell with Guinea’s Horoya AC, an assistant coaching role at South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns up to December 2024, and a brief tenure as Sporting Director at Algeria’s Olympique Akbou earlier this year.
Now at Yanga, Folz’s immediate challenge will be to guide the club to defend the 2025 Community Shield and push the team beyond the group stage of the CAF Champions League—a target that has eluded them in recent years despite domestic dominance.
The Frenchman will also be tasked with maintaining Yanga’s hold on local silverware, including the Union Cup and FA Cup, both of which were secured in the previous season.
Yanga’s faith in Folz reflects a strategy that blends youth, continental experience, and tactical innovation—an approach that could redefine their competitive identity not just in Tanzania, but across Africa.
