BY the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Young Africans attacking midfielder Stephane Azizi Ki had reached stratospheric heights.

The Burkina Faso international (pictured) scored 21 goals for Young Africans, finishing as the top scorer and steering them to a third consecutive Premier League title. He also won the Federation Cup, was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, and claimed the Midfielder of the Season award.

His influence extended beyond domestic competitions, as he played a crucial role in helping Young Africans qualify for the CAF Champions League quarter-finals, cementing his place as one of the best players in CAF inter-club competitions.

On the international stage, he represented Burkina Faso in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where his team reached the knockout stage. It was perhaps the best season of his career.

With his contract expiring, the 28-year-old had options. He could trigger a one-year extension with Young Africans or sign for one of Africa's elite clubs on a free transfer. After months of speculation, he turned down offers from big clubs including CR Belouizdad’s mouthwatering $440,000 a year deal and opted to extend his stay with Young Africans.

A Victim of His Own High Standards?

Six months later, however, Azizi Ki finds himself struggling to replicate his past brilliance. Since joining Young Africans from ASEC Mimosas in 2022 for a reported $150,000, he has been one of the Tanzania Premier League’s standout players.

But with 11 league games remaining, he is currently five goals behind leading scorer Clement Mzize, having netted just five times - three of which came from the penalty spot. He has also missed two penalties.

His CAF Champions League campaign has also been slightly underwhelming. Despite scoring twice in six appearances, his contributions were not enough to help Young Africans advance beyond the group stage, where they finished behind MC Alger and Al Hilal.

A growing sentiment among Young Africans supporters suggests that off-field distractions could be affecting his performances. Some have gone as far as suggesting it is high time the club cash out on their prized assets with rumours of big offers from Libyan sides reported.

Off-Field Distractions or Unfounded Concerns?

Much of the speculation centers around his well-publicized relationship and subsequent marriage to Tanzanian businesswoman and fashion icon Hamisa Mobetto. The couple tied the knot in an elegant Nikah ceremony on February 16, 2025, sparking debates about whether personal commitments are impacting his game.

While marriage is a personal affair, some fans question the timing, arguing that Azizi Ki might be juggling too much while the team is locked in a tight title race with Simba SC.

To his credit, Azizi Ki has not missed a single game this season. He has played all 19 league matches and featured in all nine CAF Champions League games. A day after his high-profile wedding, he took to the pitch - proving his commitment to the team. He cannot be accused of a lack of dedication.

The Verdict

Azizi Ki may not have reached the heights of last season, but football is inherently unpredictable. While his performances have dipped, attributing this solely to off-field issues may be unfair. Instead, he appears to be a victim of his own exceptional standards from the previous campaign.

With crucial games ahead, Young Africans will hope their star midfielder finds his best form. Whether his recent struggles are due to distractions or natural fluctuations in performance, the question remains whether he can rediscover his top form and lead Young Africans to further success.