YOUNG Africans Sports Club are set to kick off their CAF Champions League campaign today, facing Vital’O FC of Burundi in the preliminary round of the first leg.

The match will take place at the Azam Complex Stadium at 4:00 pm, with Vital’O using the Tanzanian venue as their home ground for this encounter.

As Young Africans embark on this critical match, head coach Miguel Gamondi has rallied his squad to ensure they avoid any embarrassment against their Burundian opponents. The stakes are high, as the winners of this tie will advance to face either SC Villa of Uganda or Ethiopia’s CBE in the next round.

In his pre-match comments, Gamondi emphasized the importance of not underestimating Vital’O, despite Young Africans’ strong recent form. The Argentine tactician noted that while his team has performed well in recent matches, including victories over Tanzanian rivals Simba SC and Azam FC, complacency must be avoided.

“The players have shown a good level in the few matches we’ve played so far, but they cannot afford to be overconfident,” Gamondi stated. “Our opponents are new to us, and in football, it is never wise to take any team lightly. Vital’O is a side we haven’t faced recently, so our players must stay focused and disciplined.”

Gamondi stressed that the CAF Champions League is different from domestic league play. 

“This is not the league where you can measure your opponents easily; anything can happen in these games. The victories over Simba and Azam should not be seen as a guarantee of success against Vital’O,” he added.

Young Africans’ ambitions in the CAF Champions League are clear. After reaching the quarterfinals in the 2023/2024 season, where they were eliminated by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, the club is determined to make an even deeper run this year. 

The Jangwani-based fighters aim to establish themselves as a dominant force in African football, building on their strong performances in recent years.

The team's journey in the Champions League last season was a source of pride for their fans, and they are eager to take the next step towards continental glory. However, Gamondi knows that the path will not be easy, starting with the challenge posed by Vital’O.

While Young Africans focus on their Champions League responsibilities, they are also preparing for the upcoming Premier League season. The reigning champions are aiming to defend their title, having won the league for three consecutive seasons. 

Their first league match is scheduled for August 29 against Kagera Sugar at Kaitaba Stadium, a fixture that will set the tone for the season.

Young Africans’ domestic league fixture list is packed with key matchups that could prove decisive in their quest for another title. After the Kagera Sugar match, Young Africans will travel to Mbeya to face Ken Gold at Sokoine Stadium, a game that promises to be closely contested. The team will then return to Azam Complex Stadium on October 22 to take on JKT Tanzania.

As the season progresses, Young Africans will face a series of crucial fixtures, including a fourth-round match against Mashujaa FC and a fifth-round clash with Singida Big Stars. 

These games are expected to be pivotal in determining the side’s standing in the league and their ability to continue their winning streak.

Young Africans are balancing their ambitions on multiple fronts, with the CAF Champions League and the Premier League both presenting significant challenges. 

The club’s recent success has raised expectations, and the pressure is on Gamondi and his squad to deliver results both domestically and internationally.

The upcoming match against Vital’O is the first step in what Young Africans hope will be a successful Champions League campaign. With a disciplined approach and a focus on avoiding complacency, Young Africans are well-positioned to advance to the next round and continue their quest for African football supremacy.

As the team takes to the field today, fans will be watching closely, hopeful that their club can make a strong start in this prestigious competition. With the right mindset and preparation, Young Africans have the potential to overcome Vital’O and move one step closer to achieving their continental ambitions.