YOUNG Africans' midfield anchor Khalid Aucho has urged Tanzanian fans to stand behind the country's budding talents.

In a recent interview, Aucho (pictured) emphasized that supporting young players in their growth and development is crucial to achieving long-term success, especially during challenging times.

Aucho highlighted teammate Clement Mzize as a shining example of young talent in the Tanzanian league. 

Mzize, 20, has excelled this season and has been called up to the national team by interim coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman. 

Despite facing scrutiny after some performances, Aucho believes Mzize's dedication and raw talent mark him as a future star.

Referencing Mbwana Samatta, a former Aston Villa forward and Tanzanian national icon, Aucho urged fans to support players like Mzize to reach their full potential and become role models for future generations. 

“Fans should wholeheartedly support players like Mzize. He has the physical attributes, speed, energy, ambition, and an exceptional finishing touch. His talent deserves the admiration of the entire nation,” Aucho said.

Aucho pointed to Mzize’s experience playing alongside seasoned players like Zambian Kennedy Musonda, Zimbabwean Prince Dube, and Congolese Jean Baleke as evidence of his high potential. 

With proper nurturing, he believes Mzize could emerge as a top-class player in the years ahead.

The Ugandan midfielder also imparted advice for aspiring players, stressing resilience, patience, and hard work. 

“Patience is key. Opportunities come with hard work and perseverance,” Aucho noted, reflecting on his own journey through the ranks to become an international.

“In a team of 11 starters and several substitutes, opportunities arise through hard work and perseverance. I recall receiving my national team call-up while still playing for the Uganda U20 national team.

"Despite the presence of experienced midfielders like Tonny Mawejje and Hassan Wasswa, and playing for Tusker in Kenya at the time, coach Micho recognized my potential and gave me a chance.

"I made my debut in the CECAFA Cup and gradually worked my way into the starting lineup. Patience and dedication are crucial in such situations," he added.

Aucho’s experience spans clubs in Bulgaria, India, Egypt, Kenya, and now Tanzania, fueling his confidence in Young Africans’ potential to compete at the continent’s highest levels. 

He credited strategic acquisitions such as Clatous Chama and the return of Kibwana Shomari and Koussia Yao for bolstering the team’s depth and versatility, which he believes will be vital in this season’s CAF Champions League.

"This season, we have assembled a squad capable of competing with any team on the African continent. The team management has made strategic signings, such as bringing in Chama, a player who can turn the tide of a match even in the most challenging situations.

"Combined with the other talented players in our squad, I believe we have what it takes to dominate the league.

“Last season, we reached the CAF Champions League quarterfinals, but losing in penalties to Mamelodi Sundowns was a missed opportunity. This season, our ambition is to go even further,” Aucho said, emphasizing the importance of their reinforced squad.

Young Africans are enjoying exceptional form this season, clinching six consecutive Premier League victories with clean sheets and extending their unbeaten home record to an impressive 51 matches, including 46 wins and five draws. 

The team's defensive solidity is notable, having conceded only one goal across all competitions this season.

Their next challenge awaits today as they face Coastal Union away at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium.