YOUNG Africans won a third consecutive Premier League title in 2023/24 — and added the Federation Cup to their collection to extend their local dominance for another year.

Even after romping to the league title, Young Africans have made moves to strengthen. Instead of resting in the transfer market, they have been busy adding quality and depth to their squad. 

Young Africans looked to have done excellently in the transfer market, as the players brought in all add extra quality to their squad. 

When you are used to dominating, letting up is not an option and the additions of a few new faces should re-energise a team at the top of their sport. 

Last season you could take one of any number of different players out of their first 11 and Young Africans wouldn’t be the same, though. But now with new players coming in they should be able to rotate more and not be so reliant on the first eleven. 

It could be argued that the new signings are better than the options already at the club, which is always the aim of any club in a transfer window to improve the quality of their starting line-up. 

What’s clear is that Young Africans have strengthened in key areas, looking at their squad on paper, they now have a better team of players. 

The latest big player to arrive is DR Congo’s international left-fullback Chadrack Boka, who joined the Dar club from FC Saint Eloi Lupopo this week. 

The Congolese defender joins Clatous Chama, Prince Dube and Aziz Andabwile as new recruits to Miguel Gamondi’s team next season. 

The 24-year-old will provide stiff competition on the left for Nickson Kibabage, who has extended his stay at the club until 2026. He is likely to start the season as a first-choice left full-back. 

Chama is the headline-grabbing addition to the squad, having ended his six-year stay with arch-rivals Simba. 

Young Africans made a statement signing in Chama, after the Zambian had been linked with a Jangwani-based side move for some time, and that transfer has finally come to fruition. 

The 33-year-old is a proven player who can deliver goals and assists. Last season, Chama scored seven goals in the Premier League and created six goals for his teammates. 

In the Champions League and African Football League, he had a total of six goal involvements. 

Stephane Azizi Ki goal-scoring form was irresistible last season but having a natural striker leading the line would have given them a far better chance in the CAF Champions League. 

With Dube’s arrival, the best team in Tanzania have added the goal scorer they craved for some time. With the raft of attacking talent already at Gamondi’s disposal, Dube (pictured) could tear up opponents in the league. 

The combination of his clinical finishing and his teammates’ creativity is a scary prospect. 

The signs are ominous for Young Africans’ opponents, especially in the league. If opponents did not have a real reason to fear Young Africans, they certainly do now. 

The addition of Aziz Andabwile came as a bit more of a shock and it will be interesting to see how the big defensive midfielder performs. 

Andabwile, signed from Singida Fountain Gate, adds an option in midfield. His height and frame is a big advantage. 

Though there are no guarantees in football, Young Africans have every chance of retaining their Premier League crown, in what promises to be one of the most competitive campaigns for some time. 

 If the previous campaign is anything to go by, Young Africans are sure to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet in 2024/25.