Folz bids farewell as Yanga plot CAF redemption

DAR ES SALAAM: IN a heartfelt and symbolic gesture, former Young Africans SC Head Coach Romain Folz took to Instagram to pen a short but emotional “Thank You”, a quiet farewell that officially closes his brief but eventful chapter with the Tanzanian football giants.

The French-Moroccan tactician, renowned for his attacking 4-3-3 formation and sharp tactical mind, took charge of Yanga on July 14 with high hopes and lofty ambitions.

However, after just 96 days at the helm, his tenure came to an abrupt end on October 18, following a string of disappointing performances and mounting pressure from the fans.

Folz arrived in Dar es Salaam with a growing reputation, having managed clubs in South Africa, including AmaZulu, Marumo Gallants and Mamelodi Sundowns.

His arrival was met with excitement from Yanga fans who saw in him a modern coach capable of elevating the club’s style and stature on the continental stage.

But the honeymoon period did not last. Trouble began to brew following a frustrating goalless draw against Mbeya City at the Sokoine Stadium.

Though a seemingly minor slip, the result was enough to stir discontent among supporters who demanded dominance, not just results. Folz’s commitment to an attacking philosophy, aggressive pressing, fast transitions and wide build-up play echoed Yanga’s identity.

Yet, inconsistency and a growing gap between vision and execution began to wear thin on fans’ patience. The tipping point came during Yanga’s CAF Champions League second preliminary round first-leg match against Silver Strikers in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Played at the Bingu National Stadium, the Tanzanian giants suffered a shock 1-0 defeat, a result that not only dented morale but triggered swift internal changes.

Folz described the night as “frustrating” and, in what would be his final post-match interview, dismissed suggestions that injuries were to blame.

“No, it’s gonna be like that for the entire season. So, it’s not a reason.”

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Pressed on growing frustration from the fanbase, his cryptic reply, “There’ll be an answer today.” And foreshadowed the inevitable.

Yanga terminated his contract hours later, appointing assistant coach Patrick Mabedi as caretaker ahead of the second leg.

Meanwhile, Silver Strikers Head Coach Etson Kadenge Mwafulirwa was full of praise to his players following their historic win: “You can’t give Yanga space — once they start to play around, they’ll finish you.

We made changes when we saw a vacuum and it worked to our plan. We’re facing giants — we can’t underrate them, but we fought with all we had.”

With the dust settling, Yanga’s focus now shifts to the CAF Champions League return leg at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and the mission is clear: Win by at least two goals to overturn the deficit and keep their CAF Champions League dreams alive.

For the Jangwani faithful, this is more than just a football match — it is a moment of truth. Can the team regroup under interim leadership and will the players rise to the challenge.