JEAN Baleke, the Congolese striker who joined Young Africans SC this season, has faced challenges in consistently breaking into the starting lineup.

His transfer from Libya - following his departure from Simba SC last season - sparked high expectations. However, Baleke’s limited playing time has raised questions among fans and pundits alike.

What’s keeping him off the pitch? The answer lies in the strong performances of Clement Mzize and Prince Dube, two forwards who have established themselves as key players in Young Africans’ attacking line under coach Miguel Gamondi.

The competition for attacking spots at Young Africans is fierce. Mzize and Dube have quickly adapted to Gamondi’s system, providing more than just goals. 

Both players offer versatility, contributing defensively and in build-up play, making them ideal fits for the tactical approach. 

Mzize, in particular, has been a standout, netting five goals in eight matches across all competitions, while Dube has added four goals to his tally.

Adding to the competition, Zambian forward Kennedy Musonda, now in his third season with Young Africans, has also proven reliable. 

Though primarily used as a substitute, Musonda’s presence adds depth to the attacking line, further complicating Baleke’s quest for more regular minutes.

Baleke’s struggle stems from his style of play, which contrasts with Gamondi’s tactical demands. Known for his finishing ability, Baleke (pictured) made a name for himself at Simba, scoring eight goals before his departure. 

However, his traditional striker role, focused primarily on goal-scoring, doesn't align well with Gamondi’s team-first philosophy.

Under Gamondi, Young Africans forwards are expected to not only score goals but also contribute defensively, create space for teammates, and participate in both offensive and defensive phases. 

Mzize and Dube have excelled in these areas, demonstrating a modern approach to the striker role, while Baleke has found it difficult to adapt.

In today’s football, strikers must be multifaceted. Gone are the days when a forward’s sole responsibility was to score. 

Players like Mzize and Dube represent this evolution, balancing goal-scoring with pressing opponents, dropping deep for build-up play, and creating opportunities for others.

This shift towards more versatile forwards has left players like Baleke - more traditional number nines - with limited opportunities. 

Baleke’s strength remains his ability to finish chances, but in a system that values team dynamics, his contributions are more restricted.

Despite his struggles, Baleke’s situation is not without hope. Football is dynamic, and players often need time to adjust to new systems. 

While Mzize and Dube are currently thriving in Young Africans’ attack, Baleke has the potential to improve and adapt to Gamondi’s expectations.

To succeed, Baleke will need to expand his game - working on pressing opponents, creating space for his teammates, and becoming more involved in build-up play. 

If he can make these adjustments, he may become a more complete forward and reclaim a starting spot.

For now, though, Mzize and Dube remain integral to Young Africans’ success. In eight matches across all competitions, Young Africans have scored 24 goals, with Mzize and Dube contributing nine goals between them. 

Their combination of goal-scoring ability and all-around play makes them essential to Gamondi’s tactical setup.

Baleke’s journey at Young Africans has not been smooth, but he still has time to adapt. If he can broaden his game to fit the modern demands of football, there’s a chance for him to make his mark and earn back the trust of fans.

As Young Africans continue to compete in domestic and continental competitions, the duo of Mzize and Dube appears to have the upper hand. 

However, football is constantly evolving, and with hard work, Baleke could yet seize the opportunities that come his way.