YOUNG Africans Sports Club are currently engaged in an intensive pre-season training camp in South Africa, aimed at gearing up for the upcoming 2024/25 season. The Jangwani Street-based side has already participated in two friendlies, showcasing their readiness and honing their strategies for the new season.

In their recent friendly match of the tour, Young Africans secured a narrow 1-0 victory against the South African side TS Galaxy FC, thanks to a decisive goal from Prince Dube in the 55th minute. This win highlighted Young Africans’ solid preparation and the team's ability to perform under competitive conditions.

However, the team’s subsequent friendly against German side FC Augsburg did not yield the same result. Young Africans suffered a 2-1 defeat, with Jean Baleke, who came on as a substitute, scoring their only goal with a powerful header. Despite the loss, the match offered valuable insights into the squad’s dynamics and areas for improvement.

Looking ahead, Young Africans are set to face off against Kaizer Chiefs in the Toyota Cup tomorrow. This match promises to be more than just a friendly, as it pits Young Africans against their former coach, Tunisian tactician Nesreddine Nabi. 

Nabi, who led Young Africans to back-to-back titles before departing last year, now manages the Amakhosi, adding an intriguing layer to the encounter.

Young Africans’ head coach, Miguel Gamondi, acknowledged the significance of the upcoming match, emphasizing the broader objectives beyond mere victory. 

“Our game against Kaizer Chiefs will be a good and competitive game, especially considering that Chiefs have a new coach,” Gamondi said. “Every player will have a chance to showcase their abilities. For us, our preparations are intensifying, and we believe we will have a strong performance.”

Gamondi also highlighted the importance of the South African tour in preparing for the new season. 

“Arriving in South Africa has been crucial for us as we prepare for the 2024/25 season. Playing against a team from the Bundesliga is part of our strategy to promote the club both in Africa and globally,” he stated. He further emphasized that these matches are vital for building a cohesive team, particularly with new additions to the squad.

The team's participation in the Mpumalanga Cup and subsequent friendlies has provided them with valuable experience and an opportunity to refine their tactics. The insights gained from these matches are expected to contribute significantly to Young Africans’ performance in the upcoming season.

Upon completing their South African tour, Young Africans are scheduled to return to Tanzania next week. The club will then focus on final preparations for the league season and the CAF Champions League. A key highlight of their pre-season activities will be the ‘Wiki ya Wananchi’ celebrations on August 4, a major event that holds special significance for the club and its supporters.

Following the celebrations, Young Africans will compete in the Community Shield tournament, which is set to take place between August 8 and 11. The club will face their arch-rivals Simba SC on August 8, with Coastal Union and Azam FC also competing in the tournament. The winners of these matches will clash in the final, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the fixtures.

Last season, Simba emerged victorious in the Community Shield, defeating Young Africans 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw in regular time. The matches were held in Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga, underscoring the intense rivalry between the two Tanzanian clubs.

Young Africans’ tour of South Africa is seen as a crucial phase in their pre-season preparations, offering the team invaluable experience and the opportunity to refine their strategies. As they look ahead to a demanding season, the insights and cohesion gained from this tour will be instrumental in their quest for success.