YOUNG Africans Sports Club held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, the gathering that was marked by a detailed discussion of the club’s future strategies and a review of the previous season’s performance.

The AGM saw the attendance of key figures including club leaders, government officials, board members, the executive committee, and dedicated club members. 

Young Africans SC president Eng. Hersi Said laid out the club’s plans for the upcoming season, emphasizing the need for economic strengthening.

“Towards the next season, our club needs to be built economically. Our work as leaders is to ensure that we get sponsors who will help with our main sponsor GSM. But our fans also have a big contribution to make sure that through member fees we get income to run our club,” said Eng. Said.

Reflecting on the previous season, Eng. Said highlighted the club’s impressive return to the group stage of the CAF Champions League after 25 years. 

“Many people thought that we would not be able to reach the quarter-finals because we were in a very difficult group. But we surprised those who doubted us. We managed to reach the quarter-final stage and were defeated by the champion of the African Football League and football giant in South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns. 

“However, we scored a legitimate goal, which the President of the Confederation of African Football Dr. Patrice Motsepe, acknowledged as legitimate,” said Eng. Hersi Said.

The meeting also featured remarks from Gerson Msigwa, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, who praised Young Africans for their significant achievements and professional management. 

“With all my heart, I congratulate Young Africans SC for their great success within and outside the country’s borders. Young Africans have developed a professional manner of team operation. We, as the Government, want clubs to behave calmly so that Tanzanian football can grow,” said Msigwa.

“Sports currently involves science, Right now, if you look at Young Africans you see ‘Pure Science.’ I wish to see other clubs imitating this way of running football,” he added. 

Msigwa also emphasized the importance of avoiding conflicts within clubs. 

“What I emphasize to Young Africans is to avoid conflicts. I know that Young Africans does not have conflicts, but I insist other clubs abandon conflicts. What makes Young Africans free of conflicts is their professional management. Careful leaders are not arguing but looking for solutions,” he concluded.

The meeting also underscored Young Africans SC’s commitment to economic stability, strategic growth, and professional management. As the club prepares for the next season, the leadership’s focus on securing sponsorships and increasing member contributions is seen as pivotal for sustaining their competitive edge. 

Eng. Said’s promise of major signings and a robust pre-season, with international invitations already on the table, has further fueled excitement among fans and members.

Young Africans’ performance in the CAF Champions League has reinstated their reputation on the continental stage, demonstrating resilience and capability against formidable opponents. The acknowledgment of a controversial goal by Dr Motsepe added a layer of credibility to their achievements.

The Government's endorsement, articulated by Msigwa, reinforces the club’s strategy of professional and conflict-free management. This approach is poised to serve as a model for other Tanzanian football clubs, promoting growth and stability in the national sports arena.

As Young Africans move forward, the emphasis on scientific management and economic fortification promises to bolster their position both domestically and internationally. 

The AGM not only highlighted past successes, but also charted a clear and ambitious path for the future, ensuring that Young Africans remain at the forefront of Tanzanian football.