YOUNG Africans' preparations for the 2024/25 campaign will officially begin this afternoon, with the club's first friendly of the coming against German Bundesliga side FC Augsburg.

The match is part of Mpumalanga Premier’s International Cup tournament and is scheduled for a 4 PM kick-off at the Mbombela Stadium – one of the host stadiums of the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa. 

Following a successful season where they defended both their Mainland Premier League and Federation Cup titles, Miguel Gamondi’s troops are looking to use their time in South Africa to fine-tune for what promises to be another demanding season. 

The upcoming season presents an opportunity to further cement their status as Tanzania's soccer kings, while also looking for an improved showing in the CAF Champions League where they crashed out at the quarter-final stage. 

Wananchi returned to pre-season training on July 3, and they will take part in three friendlies in South Africa, tackling TS Galaxy after this contest, before heading to Johannesburg for another glamour friendly against Kaizer Chiefs in the inaugural Toyota Cup tournament. 

The 30-time Tanzanian champions will then head back to Dar to finalise their preparation before facing arch-rivals Simba in the Community Shield on August 8. 

The 2024/25 Mainland Premier League season kicks off on August 15. 

Young Africans have been busy this transfer window in terms of both incomings and outgoings, with their biggest arrivals being Clatous Chama from Simba and Prince Dube from Azam. 

Also new to the Young Africans squad are goalkeeper Aboubakar Khomeini from Singida Black Stars, formerly Ihefu SC, left-back Chadrack Issaka Boka (24) from St Eloi Lupopo, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), midfielder Aziz Andabwile and striker Jean Baleke. 

There have also been some notable departures in the Young Africans camp during the off-season, with the likes of Zawadi Mauya, Augustine Okrah and Mahlatse Makudubela among those not part of the travelling party after leaving the club. 

The FC Augsburg match represents an early chance for Gamondi and his coaching staff to get minutes into the players and will take it as an important test in setting the tone ahead of their return to competitive action.