YOUNG Africans head coach Miguel Gamondi has expressed delight with the intense competition for places in his squad following the team’s second friendly match against TS Galaxy.

The match, held at Kanyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, saw Prince Dube, a recent signing from Azam FC, finding the net in the second half, securing a 1-0 win.

Gamondi rotated his squad significantly, giving ample playing time to all players. While the first half featured a predominantly reserve lineup, the second half saw a stronger unit take to the pitch. 

Gamondi utilized the friendly match against TS Galaxy to experiment with different formations and player combinations as the club prepares for a highly competitive season.

Despite the absence of Pacome Zouzoua, Chadrack Boka, and Kennedy Musonda, the team showed significant improvement from their previous encounter against FC Augsburg. 

Gamondi emphasized the importance of fitness and the intense competition within the squad as key factors contributing to the team's positive performance against TS Galaxy.

"As previously stated, the primary objective of these matches is to give all players valuable playing time. Today (Wednesday), I divided the squad in half for each period, and I'm pleased with their performance. We still have areas to improve, especially in terms of fitness. 

“However, the team is making steady progress, and with a few more days of training before facing Kaizer Chiefs, I'm optimistic about our readiness," he said.

Gamondi insisted that his side gave a good account of themselves with the level of competition among players to earn a spot in the starting eleven despite being in the early stages of their pre-season.

"The fierce competition for XI selection in my squad is driving players to excel. They are hungry for opportunities and that's exactly the mentality we need. The squad we have assembled is carefully constructed to achieve our domestic and CAF Champions League goals for the upcoming season. 

“Despite significant interest in our star players, we have fought hard to retain them as they are crucial to our plans," Gamondi added.

Gamondi also believes that his side will be more ready to face Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs in Sunday’s Toyota Cup match in Bloemfontein.

“For sure, we have more days to work, to be a little bit more fit and more tactically working, but not 100% like we were [at the end of last season]. I think Chiefs will be in the same position,” he said.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach added that he is expecting somewhat of a spectacle against Amakhosi.

“Football for me as a coach is a show. We need to play football, we need to play attacking,” he added. 

“For me, it would have probably been more easy to play five defenders, park the bus, and see what happens. But it’s not my style and I think with Kaizer Chiefs it will be a nice game as well because we will play attractive football.”

Young Africans are gearing up for the upcoming season where they are slated to play the opening game against arch-rivals Simba SC in the Community Shield mini-tournament. 

In the CAF Champions League, Young Africans will begin in the preliminary stage where they will play Vital'O. 

The first leg will take place on August 16 in Bujumbura before the reverse fixture in Dar es Salaam.