Yanga make power moves ahead of 2025/26 season
DAR ES SALAAM: IN preparation for the forthcoming 2025/2026 season, Young Africans SC have strengthened their technical bench by appointing Spanish Assistant Coach Alejandro Manu Rodríguez, hiring fitness coach Tshepang Mokaila and extending the contract of key midfielder, Maxi Nzengeli.
The announcements were made during a high-profile briefing yesterday in Dar es Salaam, where club leadership reiterated their ambition to dominate both the domestic league and continental competitions.
At just 33 years old, Rodríguez arrives with an impressive résumé and a reputation as one of the most promising young Spanish coaches working in Africa.
A UEFA Pro Licence holder, Rodríguez, brings with him a unique blend of European tactical discipline and African football experience.
His coaching journey has already seen him serve as assistant and goalkeeper coach at Ghanaian side Ashanti Gold SC, where he worked under former Head Coach, Romain Folz, a partnership that dates back to their time at West Virginia, United in the US (2017–18).
He made an instant impact in Ghana, combining his Spanish academy roots with an adaptive, hands-on coaching philosophy tailored to the African game.
“Manu brings not just technical knowledge, but a modern footballing mindset that aligns with our vision for Yanga’s future,” a club source shared.
Joining Rodríguez on the technical bench is Tshepang Mokaila, a physical conditioning coach hailing from Botswana, who has worked with elite clubs such as Al Ahly Tripoli and AmaZulu FC.
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Known for his scientific, data-driven approach to fitness, Mokaila is expected to play a critical role in injury prevention, stamina building and overall squad endurance.
“Tshepang brings continental experience and a high-performance culture to our training routines. His track record speaks for itself,” said the club’s head of performance.
Perhaps the most crowd-pleasing announcement was the contract renewal of Congolese attacking midfield maestro Nzengeli, affectionately known as ‘Maxi’ among Yanga faithful.
The influential playmaker has signed a new two-year deal, extending his stay at the club until 2027.
Sources confirm that the new contract includes a pay raise and performance-related bonuses, underscoring his value to the club’s ambitions.
“I feel at home at Yanga, the fans, management, my teammates everything feels right. I want to help this club lift more trophies and leave a legacy in African competitions,” said Nzengeli.
