AS the transfer window officially opened on June 15, Yaoung Africans, the reigning champions of the Premier League, are set to make significant additions to their squad.

Head coach Miguel Gamondi is leading the charge to strengthen the team’s attack and defense ahead of the next season.

Young Africans, fresh off their triumph in the 2023/24 Premier League season, are preparing to represent Tanzania in the CAF Champions League. They will be joined in this continental competition by Azam FC, one of Tanzania’s wealthiest clubs.

Ally Kamwe, Young Africans’ information officer, acknowledged the immense effort required to build a top-tier team capable of competing at the highest levels. 

“We will make great signings,” Kamwe stated. “We realize that in order to be the best, it is important to have a strong team. Something that is being worked on with great attention. Everything is on the work plan, and our goal is to ensure we are strong for the new season. The more fans support us, the greater our achievements will be,” he added.

The club’s ambitions for the upcoming season are clear: they aim to continue their dominance in the Premier League and to advance further in the CAF Champions League. Last season, they reached the quarter-finals but were eliminated by the formidable Mamelodi Sundowns. This year, they aspire to surpass that achievement and make a deeper run in the tournament.

Domestically, Young Africans have been a powerhouse, winning the Premier League title three consecutive times and securing the championship 30 times in the club’s history. Maintaining this level of success while also excelling on the continental stage is a primary objective for Gamondi and his squad.

Despite their on-field successes, Young Africans face significant financial challenges. The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) recently announced that five Tanzanian teams, including the Jangwani-based side, are currently banned from registering new players until they settle outstanding payments. 

The financial hurdle must be cleared swiftly to allow Young Africans to proceed with their planned signings and preparations for the new season.

The TFF's statement emphasized the importance of resolving these financial issues promptly. For Young Africans, this means prioritizing player payments to comply with the federation’s requirements and secure permission to register new talent. The club’s management is undoubtedly under pressure to resolve these matters quickly to avoid disruptions to their transfer plans.

The current transfer window, which opened on June 15, this year, will close on August 31, 2024. This period is critical for the club as they seek to reinforce their squad in preparation for the coming season, which includes competitions in the Premier League, Championship, First League, and the Tanzania Women’s League.

With the clock ticking, Young Africans’ leadership is working diligently to finalize new signings while addressing the financial constraints imposed by the TFF. The club’s commitment to both domestic and continental success hinges on their ability to navigate these challenges efficiently.

Young Africans’ success on the field is inextricably linked to the support of their passionate fan base. As the club embarks on this crucial transfer period, the backing of their supporters will be more important than ever. 

Kamwe’s call for fan support underscores the symbiotic relationship between the team and its followers, whose enthusiasm can provide a significant boost as the club aims for glory.