YOUNG Africans head coach Sead Ramovic lauded his players and staff for their resilience and determination following a gruelling schedule that saw the team play four games in just ten days.

Young Africans capped this challenging run with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Fountain Gate, solidifying their second-place position in the Premier League.

“We have to know that we played four games in ten days,” Ramovic (pictured) said after the match at the KMC Complex. “Imagine playing four games in ten days with this kind of high intensity. What a team effort, what characters we have in our squad it’s just unbelievable. 

“I’m proud to be the head coach of this beautiful team and these players because they show real commitment to this club.”

Ramovic emphasized the critical role of his players and staff in maintaining performance levels despite the intense schedule.

“The whole credit should go to the players and my staff,” he said. “How we, as a staff, managed prioritization and recovery it’s amazing. It’s not easy to put this kind of intensity into a game and score five goals against a very good team.”

The coach also credited Young Africans’ passionate supporters for their unwavering encouragement, which he said had been instrumental in driving the team to success.

“These kinds of supporters, they pushed us,” he remarked. “A big thank you from our side. And, of course, congratulations to the opponent for a fair, tough game.”

“It’s not just about the outcomes; it’s about the intensity and getting the fitness levels I want,” he added. “We want to play high-intensity, rock-and-roll football, never letting the opponent breathe. We are not there yet, but we are on the right track, alhamdulillah.”

Young Africans’ dominance was evident from the start. The defending champions opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Pacome Zouzoua converted a cross from full-back Chadrack Boka. 

Pacome doubled his tally just before halftime, netting his second in the 45th minute after an assist from Clement Mzize, who had earlier set up Young Africans’ second goal for Mudathir Yahya in the 42nd minute.

Fountain Gate’s defense struggled to contain Young Africans’ relentless attacks, and an own goal by Jackson Shiga in the 54th minute further widened the gap. Substitute Duke Abuya then provided a long pass in the 86th minute, which Mzize expertly finished to seal the commanding 5-0 victory.

Despite the scoreline, Fountain Gate had fleeting moments of promise. Their best opportunity came in the 34th minute when Edgar William’s close-range shot was blocked by Ibrahim Bacca.

The victory keeps Young Africans firmly in contention for the Premier League title. They are in second place with 39 points below league leaders Simba in first place with 40 points. Azam FC occupy third place with 36 points, while Singida Black Stars sit fourth with 33 points.

While Young Africans have been dominant domestically, their CAF Champions League campaign has been less impressive. The team has yet to register a win in the group stage, suffering defeats to Al Hilal (2-0) and MC Alger (2-0) while managing a 1-1 draw against TP Mazembe.

Ramovic acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need to carry their domestic intensity onto the continental stage. “We are working hard to translate our form into the CAF Champions League. It’s a learning curve, but we are determined to improve,” he said.