AS the new season approaches, Young Africans Sports Club head coach, Miguel Gamondi, has expressed immense pride in the strength and resilience of his team. With their eyes set on multiple trophies, the Tanzanian giants are determined to build on their recent successes, including their impressive performances during the pre-season.

Young Africans’ goals for the upcoming season are ambitious yet attainable. The club is aiming to secure local titles, starting with the Community Shield. They also have their sights set on defending their Tanzanian Premier League and Federation Cup titles, and most significantly, making a deeper run in the CAF Champions League. 

Last season, Young Africans’ journey in the continental competition ended in the quarter-finals, a result they are determined to surpass this time around.

Reflecting on the team’s recent pre-season performances, Gamondi (pictured) noted the progress and quality they’ve displayed on the pitch. The Argentine coach, who was awarded the Best Coach of the Premier League last season, highlighted the team’s victories in the Community Shield as a testament to their readiness for the challenges ahead. 

Young Africans defeated their fierce rivals Simba SC 1-0 in the semi-final and then showcased their fighting spirit by overcoming a deficit to beat Azam FC 4-1 in the final.

“The two matches we played in the Community Shield are proof of the quality we possess,” said Gamondi. “We faced tough opposition, but our ability to come from behind and win, especially in the final against Azam, shows the strength and maturity of our squad.”

The coach also emphasized the importance of the friendly matches they played during their pre-season camp in South Africa. 

The Jangwani-based side faced high-level competition, including a narrow 2-1 loss to Germany’s FC Augsburg, followed by victories against TS Galaxy (1-0) and Kaizer Chiefs (4-0). These matches, according to Gamondi, provided valuable insights into the team’s readiness and highlighted areas for improvement.

Now, Gamondi is confident that Young Africans are well-prepared to start the season on a strong note.

“If you want to gauge your quality, you must compete with teams at your level or above,” Gamondi stated. “The results from these matches have given us the answers we needed. We’ve played well and secured results that boost our confidence as we prepare for the season.”

The coach acknowledged that while the team’s performance has been commendable, there is still work to be done, particularly in addressing the mistakes that led to conceding a goal against Azam FC. “Correcting these mistakes is crucial, but what pleases me most is the players’ ability to respond with maturity during difficult moments,” he added.

Looking ahead to the start of the season, Gamondi expressed optimism, citing the squad’s depth and versatility as key factors in achieving their goals. 

“We are ready for the competition ahead. We have a lot of work to do, but with the type of squad we have, I believe we can manage our objectives well. We have a team that can score, create opportunities, and defend effectively,” he said.

Complementing the coach’s optimism, Young Africans’ president, Engineer Hersi Said, also shared his satisfaction with the team’s progress. Hersi praised the quality exhibited by the team in the Community Shield final, emphasizing that such performances are what is expected of Young Africans.

Hersi also commented on the club’s successful player acquisitions during the transfer window, highlighting the impact of new signings like Chadrack Boka, who was brought in to replace the departing Joyce Lomalisa. “The changes we’ve made have been productive, and as leaders, we take pride in the success we continue to achieve,” Hersi said. “However, we are fully aware that there is still a long way to go, especially in the international arena.”

The club president reflected on last season’s CAF Champions League campaign, where Young Africans reached the quarter-finals after a long absence from the latter stages of the competition. “Our biggest goal last season was to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League, which we hadn’t done in a long time. Although we didn’t go as far as we wanted, reaching the quarter-finals was a significant achievement, and we aim to build on that this season,” Hersi remarked.

On August 17, Young Africans will face Vital’O FC of Burundi in the CAF Champions League first leg of the preliminary round at Azam Complex Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM.

With the Premier League set to kick off on August 16, Young Africans are also preparing to defend their title, having won the league for three consecutive seasons. Their opening match against Kagera Sugar at Kaitaba Stadium on August 29 will set the tone for the season, with the reigning champions aiming to maintain their dominance.

Young Africans’ fixture list includes several key matchups that could be pivotal in their quest for another league title. Following the Kagera Sugar match, they will face Ken Gold at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya, a game that promises to be closely contested. The club will then take on JKT Tanzania at Azam Complex Stadium on October 22.

As the season progresses, Young Africans will encounter crucial fixtures, including a fourth-round match against Mashujaa FC and a fifth-round clash with Singida Big Stars. These games will be critical in determining the side’s standing in the league and their ability to continue their winning streak.

With a strong squad, ambitious goals, and a winning mentality, Young Africans are poised to tackle the new season head-on, determined to add more silverware to their illustrious history.