YOUNG Africans have bolstered their attacking options by securing the services of former SuperSport United striker Prince Dube, who was previously sidelined by Azam FC due to a contractual dispute.

The 26-year-old Zimbabwean forward (pictured) has signed a two-year contract with Young Africans, promising to add significant firepower to the team’s offensive lineup for the upcoming 2024/25 season.

Dube’s acquisition has been widely praised by football analysts and stakeholders, who consider him one of the top strikers in the Mainland Tanzanian Premier League. His tenure at Azam saw him net seven goals and provide two assists before his departure, showcasing his ability to consistently deliver in front of goal.

However, Young Africans are not stopping there. The club is reportedly in advanced talks to sign Jean Baleke, a former Simba SC forward who has also played for TP Mazembe and Al Ittihad of Libya. 

Baleke’s arrival is anticipated to further intensify the competition for places in Young Africans’ attack, raising the team’s overall level of performance.

Baleke’s stats from his time at Simba are impressive. During the 2023/24 season, he scored eight goals and provided one assist in 19 appearances. His shooting accuracy stands at an impressive 74%.

The competition among the strikers at Young Africans is expected to be fierce. In addition to Dube and the potential signing of Baleke, the team boasts young talent Clement Mzize. 

Mzize had a standout season in 2023/24, scoring six goals and providing seven assists in 29 matches. His contributions have been crucial to Young Africans’ recent successes and he will be eager to prove himself against the new arrivals.

The strategic addition of Dube and the possible signing of Baleke indicate Young Africans’ ambition to dominate the Premier League and make a significant impact in the CAF competitions. With both players having experience in domestic and continental tournaments, their presence is expected to enhance the side’s attacking capabilities significantly.

Dube’s journey to Young Africans has been marked by resilience and determination. After being frozen out at Azam FC, his move to Young Africans represents a fresh start and an opportunity to reignite his career. His versatility and proven goal-scoring record make him a valuable asset for the team, and fans are optimistic about his contributions in the upcoming season.

Baleke’s potential arrival also brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. His time at Simba showcased his ability to perform under pressure and deliver crucial goals. Should the deal be finalized, Baleke will bring additional depth and competition to Young Africans’ forward line, pushing each player to perform at their best.

As Young Africans prepare for the 2024/25 season, the competition among Dube, Baleke, and Mzize is expected to be a key storyline. Each player will be eager to secure a starting spot and prove their worth, creating a healthy rivalry that could propel the side to new heights. The combination of experience, youth, and talent in the side’s attack promises an exciting season ahead for the fans.

The club’s management is also expected to make further strategic moves in the transfer market to strengthen other areas of the squad. With a focus on building a team capable of challenging for titles both domestically and continentally, Young Africans’ ambitions are clear.