Mzize equals personal record, aims for Premier League Golden Boot

By Seth Mapoli , The Guardian
Published at 06:00 AM Feb 04 2025
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Photo: Agencies
Young Africans SC forward Clement Mzize

YOUNG Africans SC forward Clement Mzize continues to impress after scoring the opening goal in his side’s dominant 4-0 victory over Kagera Sugar in the Premier League last Saturday.

His latest goal took his tally to seven this season, placing him among the league’s top scorers and intensifying his chase for the Golden Boot.

Mzize (pictured) is now just one goal behind the current leading scorer, Elvis Rupia of Singida Black Stars, who has netted eight goals. 

Meanwhile, Simba’s Jean Charles Ahoua and Leonel Ateba also have seven goals, tying with Mzize, while Pacome Zouzoua follows closely with six goals.

Within the Young Africans squad, Mzize is the team’s leading goal scorer with seven goals. He is followed by Pacome Zouzoua with six, while Prince Dube has found the back of the net five times. 

Mzize’s consistency has been vital for Young Africans this season, proving his ability to step up and deliver when needed.

Notably, his seven-goal tally after just 16 matches this season matches his total from the entire 2023/2024 campaign. 

This means he has already equalled his personal record with half of the season still to play, showcasing his remarkable improvement and growing importance in Young Africans’ attacking lineup.

Despite Young Africans’ strong league campaign, their striking department has faced inconsistencies, particularly with Dube, who was signed from Azam FC at the start of the season. 

Dube arrived at Young Africans following an impressive stint with Azam, where he established himself as one of the league’s most lethal strikers.

Over four seasons in the Premier League, Dube scored a total of 34 goals, demonstrating his ability to deliver consistently. His standout season came in 2020/21 when he netted 14 goals, marking him as a clinical finisher. 

However, since joining Young Africans, he has struggled to replicate his past form, though he remains a key attacking option with five goals to his name so far.

Another forward who has yet to find his footing this season is Zambian international Kennedy Musonda. The striker has struggled to cement his place in the starting lineup, leaving Mzize as the team’s most reliable attacking option.

Young Africans head coach Sead Ramovic has shown great faith in Mzize, frequently including him in the starting lineup. The young striker, who graduated from Young Africans’ youth system, has continued to grow in confidence and performance, earning his place as a key player in the squad.

His impressive displays have not gone unnoticed beyond Tanzania, with top clubs in Africa closely monitoring his progress. 

South African giants Kaizer Chiefs and Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca have reportedly expressed interest in signing the forward.

Furthermore, European clubs have also been linked with Mzize, an interest confirmed by his agent, Jasmine Razack, as well as Young Africans spokesperson, Ali Kamwe. 

However, Young Africans’ management has made it clear that they do not intend to sell any key players during the January transfer window. Instead, they plan to reassess transfer opportunities in the larger window later in the year.

With his current form, Mzize has positioned himself as one of the most promising young forwards in Tanzanian football. 

His ability to score crucial goals, coupled with his rapid improvement, makes him a valuable asset for Young Africans as they push to defend their Premier League title.

Should he maintain his goal-scoring momentum, Mzize has a strong chance of challenging for the league’s Golden Boot while also boosting his chances of securing a lucrative move to a bigger club, either within Africa or in Europe.

For now, Young Africans will be looking to capitalize on Mzize’s form as they aim to continue their dominance in the Premier League. 

The club remains determined to keep hold of their star player, but if his performances continue at this level, it may only be a matter of time before he makes a big move to a top-tier