YOUNG Africans Sports Club kicked off their 2024/25 season in spectacular fashion by securing the Community Shield title with a commanding 4-1 victory over Azam FC.

The match, held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium last Saturday, marked the beginning of what Young Africans hope will be another triumphant season filled with silverware.

The final, played at a blistering pace, saw a total of five goals scored, each by a different player, underscoring the match’s competitive spirit. Azam FC struck first, with Feisal Salum finding the back of the net in the 13th minute, putting Young Africans on the back foot early. 

However, Young Africans, known for their resilience, quickly responded. Prince Dube, the team’s newly signed striker from Azam FC, equalized just five minutes later in the 18th minute, setting the stage for what would be a remarkable comeback. 

From that point on, Young Africans took control of the match. Chadrack Boka added another goal in the 27th minute, followed by a strike from Aziz Ki in the 30th minute, giving the Jangwani-based side a 3-1 lead before halftime. The final nail in Azam’s coffin came in the 90th minute when Mzize Clement scored, sealing a comprehensive victory for Young Africans.

Young Africans head coach Miguel Gamondi expressed his immense pride and satisfaction with his team’s performance. 

“To start the new season with a trophy feels incredible,” Gamondi said. “We are hungry to win trophies, and it’s our job to do just that. The match performance was unbelievable. This team has improved with every game, and I think we played a fantastic match. Even when we conceded an early goal, we stayed calm and composed, eventually scoring three goals. In the second half, we managed the game well, which is proof of our maturity. I believe we fully deserved to win this cup.”

Gamondi’s emphasis on maintaining composure, even after conceding an early goal, was evident in the way Young Africans responded on the pitch. 

“This is where maturity comes into play. It’s a professional thing. We know we’re a team that can concede a goal, but we need to stay calm and focus on what we need to do. Football is like that; you can’t let your emotions take over. The players showed a very professional attitude tonight,” he added.

For Dube, the victory was particularly sweet. Scoring the equalizer against his former club, he was elated with the result and the team’s performance. 

“It was a great pleasure to score, and it was a good job from Mudathir Yahya, who we played together with at Azam FC. It’s a continuation of what we were doing, and I like to see it happen like this,” Dube said, expressing his joy at being part of the winning side in his debut match for Young Africans.

With the Community Shield now in their trophy cabinet, Young Africans’ focus shifts to the upcoming Tanzanian Premier League season, where they will be aiming to defend their title. 

Young Africans, who have won the league for three consecutive seasons, will begin their title defense on August 29 with an away match against Kagera Sugar at Kaitaba Stadium. The reigning champions will undoubtedly be under pressure to maintain their winning streak, but their strong start suggests they are well-prepared for the challenge.

Young Africans’ fixture list includes some key matchups that could prove decisive in their quest for another league title. After their opening match against Kagera Sugar, Young Africans will face Ken Gold at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter. They will then take on JKT Tanzania at Azam Complex Stadium on October 22.

Further into the season, Young Africans will play against Mashujaa FC in a yet-to-be-confirmed fourth-round match at Azam Complex Stadium. Following that, they will face Singida Big Stars in the fifth round. These fixtures will be crucial in determining Young Africans’ position in the league standings as the season progresses.

As they embark on the 2024/25 season, the team’s confidence is soaring. The Community Shield victory is not just a trophy; it’s a statement of intent. With a squad brimming with talent and a coach who demands the highest standards, Young Africans are setting the stage for what could be another historic season. 

The pressure is on, but if their opening performance is any indication, Young Africans are ready to rise to the occasion and continue their dominance in Tanzanian football.