TANZANIA's football fans are demanding that the Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) should identify Young Africans SC's player responsible for the club’s recent FIFA ban.

The ban prohibits Young Africans SC, alias Yanga, from registering new players due to a violation of Annexe 3 of FIFA’s Transfer Regulations (RSTP).

On April 12, the TFF announced the FIFA ban without naming the player in question. This lack of transparency has frustrated football stakeholders in the country, who have taken to social media to express their outrage. 

Many believe the culprit is Ivorian midfielder Pacome Zouzoua, a Yanga player who has been sidelined with an injury.

Social media speculation suggests that Yanga might be exaggerating the severity of Zouzoua’s injury to avoid potential penalties from FIFA. Some argue that if Zouzoua was truly injured, he wouldn’t have been included on the Ivory Coast national team’s bench for their recent friendly matches.

However, Zouzoua has refuted these claims. He insists he is fully fit and has requested playing time from head coach Miguel Gamondi, even if it is just 10-15 minutes in their CRDB Bank Federation Cup quarterfinal game against Tabora United.

“I’m perfectly fine, I have been following special exercise programs designed by my fitness coach. I’ve also been undergoing treatment and doing gym exercises for several weeks, along with other programs to maintain my fitness,” Zouzoua declared in Dar es Salaam recently.

Zouzoua expressed his frustration at being unable to contribute on the field while his teammates fight for victories, stating: “Honestly, I wouldn’t mind even 10 or 15 minutes of playing time.”

The midfielder said: “I believe I can get back to form and continue supporting my teammates in achieving victory in every match. Our goal is to defend our titles, including the federation championship and the NBC Premier League title.”

Zouzoua acknowledged the challenges the team faces but emphasized their commitment to success, affirming: “We know there are difficulties, but we’re doing everything we can to perform well and achieve our goals, ultimately bringing joy to our fans.”

In comparing the football culture between Tanzania and his home country, Ivory Coast, Zouzoua highlighted the passionate Tanzanian fanbase, pointing out: “In Tanzania, fans genuinely love their teams and come to the stadium to support them.”

He revealed: “This is something I truly appreciate. Back home, it’s not as common for fans to attend matches. The presence of fans adds so much value to the Tanzanian league.”

Zouzoua went on to describe the motivating effect of the fans, adding: “I went to the stadium to watch a match twice while I was injured, people called out to me, offered prayers for my recovery, and motivated me.”

He insisted: “This gives me strength. I understand that I mean a lot to these people, and I want to do something that will make them happy when I return to the field.”

While the controversy surrounding the FIFA ban continues, Zouzoua’s statement suggests he is ready to contribute to Yanga’s success once again. The passionate Tanzanian fanbase will undoubtedly be waiting to see him back on the pitch.

Meanwhile, the Jangwani Street side has also faced another registration freeze due to a dispute with former player Lazarus Kambole. 

The International Football Federation (FIFA) imposed the ban after Kambole successfully sued the club for unpaid wages and a breach of contract.

Kambole filed a case against Yanga demanding compensation and salary arrears. Despite a 45-day window to settle the debt after the ruling, the club failed to comply.

This decision by FIFA goes beyond international transfers. The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has also banned Yanga from making domestic player acquisitions.

The TFF action serves as a reminder to all clubs to honor contracts signed with players and coaches. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties, including registration bans.