YOUNG Africans Sports Club’s medical team has moved swiftly to allay fears over the fitness of key attacker Pacome Zouzoua, with club doctor Moses Etutu confirming that the player is recovering well after sustaining a shoulder injury in the CAF Champions League clash against JS Kabylie.

Pacome (pictured) picked up the knock during Young Africans’ emphatic 3-0 victory in Zanzibar, a result that underlined the team’s dominance on the night but was slightly overshadowed by concerns over the Ivorian forward’s condition. The incident occurred after a collision with the JS Kabylie goalkeeper, forcing Pacome to leave the pitch before the final whistle.

Speaking about the injury, Dr. Etutu reassured supporters that the situation is under control and that initial medical assessments have returned positive results.

“He suffered a shoulder challenge after colliding with the goalkeeper during the match,” Etutu explained. “However, after conducting our medical evaluation, we found that the injury is not serious. He is responding well to treatment and improving day by day.”

The doctor added that the club’s medical department has opted for a cautious approach, prioritizing the player’s full recovery over rushing him back into action. According to Etutu, Pacome has been granted a few days of rest as part of a structured rehabilitation plan designed to ensure he regains full strength without risking further complications.

“We have given him a short rest period to allow the shoulder to settle properly,” Etutu said. “Our main objective is to make sure he returns to the pitch in optimal condition and without any risk of aggravating the injury. His health and long term fitness are our priority.”

As a precautionary measure, Pacome was left out of the squad that faced Cosmopolitan FC in the Federation Cup Round of 64 at the KMC Complex. Despite his absence, Young Africans cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory, demonstrating the depth within the squad.

Club officials emphasized that the decision to sideline Pacome for that fixture was purely medical and not indicative of a long term problem. The technical bench, in consultation with the medical staff, agreed that resting the forward was the wisest course of action to accelerate his recovery and avoid unnecessary risks.

Encouragingly for the Jangwani Street faithful, there is growing optimism that Pacome could return to action in the upcoming Mainland Premier League fixtures. Young Africans are scheduled to travel to Lindi to face Namungo FC on February 22 before taking on JKT Tanzania on February 25. While a final decision will depend on his progress in the coming days, Etutu expressed confidence that the forward is on the right path.

“We are monitoring him closely on a daily basis,” the doctor noted. “If everything continues as planned, he should be available very soon. We will only clear him to play once we are fully satisfied with his condition.”

Beyond the immediate league matches, attention is already turning to the highly anticipated Dar es Salaam Derby against arch rivals Simba SC. The showdown, set to be played at the New Amaan Complex on March 1, carries enormous significance in the title race and is widely regarded as the biggest fixture in Tanzanian football.

Pacome’s potential availability for that encounter is a major boost for Young Africans, given his influential role this season. The dynamic attacker has been instrumental in the team’s offensive play, contributing crucial goals and assists while consistently troubling opposing defenses with his pace and creativity.

His presence in the derby could provide the spark Young Africans need as they aim to assert dominance over their traditional rivals. For now, however, the focus remains firmly on his rehabilitation.

Dr. Etutu concluded by reiterating the club’s commitment to safeguarding player welfare. “We understand how important Pacome is to the team, especially ahead of big matches. But we will not compromise his health. Our responsibility is to ensure he is 100 percent fit before he steps back onto the field.”

With positive medical updates and a carefully managed recovery plan in place, Young Africans supporters have every reason to be hopeful that one of their key attacking weapons will be ready in time for the decisive battles ahead most notably the clash against Simba that promises to capture the nation’s attention.