WYDAD Athletic Club, one of Morocco’s premier football teams, have continued to show interest in acquiring two key players from Tanzania’s Young Africans SC - striker Clement Mzize and midfielder Stephanie Aziz Ki.

Reports indicate that Wydad have submitted formal applications to bring the duo to their squad for the upcoming Moroccan Premier League campaign, but the club has upped its offer by including a potential deal for both players.

According to a statement from Wydad, the club is prepared to offer $800,000 for each player. This move comes as Wydad look to bolster their squad with the hopes of strengthening their competitive edge in domestic and continental competitions.

However, Young Africans, the defending champions of the NBC Premier League, have firmly rejected the proposal, citing the players’ importance to their ongoing CAF Champions League campaign. 

The Tanzanian club made it clear that Mzize and Aziz Ki are not for sale as they focus on advancing in the prestigious CAF Champions League.

“We are not willing to sell these players due to our participation in the CAF Champions League competition and our chance to advance to the quarter-finals,” Young Africans’ management said in a statement, emphasizing the team’s dedication to the continental competition.

Wydad’s pursuit of Mzize and Aziz Ki is part of a wider strategy by head coach Rulani Mokwena, who is eager to enhance his squad for future challenges. 

Mokwena, who previously coached Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, was impressed with both players during the teams’ encounters in the CAF Champions League. 

His desire to strengthen his squad led to the club’s renewed focus on these two individuals, whose performances have caught the eye of several top clubs.

Mzize, who has been in excellent form for Young Africans this season, has become one of the most talked-about players in East Africa. His clinical finishing and presence in attack have made him a standout performer, and his potential move to Morocco could be a significant step in his career. 

Aziz Ki, on the other hand, is widely regarded for his creativity and work ethic in midfield, bringing balance to Young Africans’ playing style. 

Together, they have formed a formidable duo that has helped propel Young Africans into the spotlight on the continental stage.

Despite Wydad’s interest, Young Africans’ focus remain firmly on their upcoming CAF Champions League fixtures. Young Africans, who are the only Tanzanian team still in contention for the competition, have a crucial match tomorrow against Al Hilal in Mauritania. 

Al Hilal, the leaders of Group A with 10 points, have already qualified for the quarter-finals, while Young Africans sit in third place with four points. 

A win for Young Africans would significantly boost their chances of advancing to the next stage of the competition, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the quarter-finals