YOUNG Africans gear up for an intensive pre-season schedule in South Africa ahead of their much-anticipated Toyota Cup match against Kaizer Chiefs on July 28 as the Premier League champions will first participate in the Mpumalanga Premier International Cup, which promises to be a crucial part of their preparation for the upcoming season.

According to the tournament’s schedule, Young Africans will face FC Augsburg from the German Bundesliga on July 20, while TS Galaxy will take on Mbabane Swallows. 

This tournament will provide Young Africans with an opportunity to test their mettle against international competition, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

FC Augsburg will be making history by holding their first-ever summer training camp outside of Europe. They’ll be in South Africa from July 18th to 28th.

After the Mpumalanga Premier International Cup, Young Africans will shift their focus to the Toyota Cup, where they will go head-to-head with their hosts, Kaizer Chiefs. 

The clash against Kaizer Chiefs is highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike and is expected to be a significant test of Young Africans’ pre-season progress.

Young Africans have also received invitations from Kenya, with the possibility of playing additional friendly matches before wrapping up their pre-season tour. These matches will further aid the team’s preparation for the peak friendly in the ‘Mwananchi Week’, scheduled for August 4.

This year’s pre-season activities mark one of the most comprehensive preparations Young Africans have had in recent years. The club’s management has ensured that the team engages in high-caliber matches to hone their skills and build team cohesion.

The team’s pre-season activities are not limited to friendly matches. The team is also gearing up for the Premier League, Federation Cup, and CAF Champions League, where they will face Vital’O of Burundi in the first stage. The draw for this prestigious tournament took place in Egypt on July 11, 2024.

The first leg of the Champions League encounter will be an away match for Young Africans, scheduled between August 16 and 18. The return leg will take place in Tanzania between August 23 and 25. 

Young Africans will be aiming for a strong start to their continental campaign, seeking victory on foreign soil before returning home for the decisive second leg.

The Jangwani-based side has bolstered their squad with several high-profile signings ahead of the new season. Notable players include Clatous Chama, Prince Dube, Chadrack Boka, Aziz Andabwile, and Duke Abuya. 

These additions are expected to enhance the team’s performance both domestically and internationally.

One player who has caught the attention of fans is Jean Baleke, a former Simba forward. Baleke, who had a successful stint with Simba, scoring 16 goals in one and a half seasons, moved to Al Ittihad in Libya. His previous performances have left a lasting impression, and there has been speculation about his potential return to Tanzania this time for Young Africans.

As Young Africans embark on this rigorous pre-season journey, the club’s supporters are filled with anticipation and optimism. The combination of international tournaments, high-profile friendlies, and a star-studded squad sets the stage for an exciting and potentially successful season ahead.

The club's management, coaching staff, and players are all focused on achieving their objectives, both in domestic competitions and on the continental stage. With meticulous preparation and strategic planning, Young Africans are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season, starting with their pre-season tour in South Africa.