Gamondi hails players maturity

DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans coach, Miguel Gamondi, commended his players’ maturity and professionalism after they won the 2024 Community Shield title with a dominant 4-1 victory over Azam at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

In the post-match briefing, the Argentine coach emphasised that the result highlighted his team’s ability to handle high-pressure situations with composure.

“Our players are improving with each game. Despite the competitive nature of the match, we delivered a fantastic performance,” he said.

Gamondi noted that, even after conceding an early goal, his team managed to score three goals before halftime and maintained their composure in the second half with a final goal to seal the win.

“Our professionalism and hunger for titles were evident. This performance boosts our confidence for the upcoming season,” he added.

He continued, “We’ve shown that we play with the same intensity as we train. Defeating both Simba and Azam gives us confidence for the league and the CAF Champions League (CAF CL), though we still need to improve.”

ALSO READ: Community Shield: Yanga start silverware count

On his part Azam’s coach, Youssouph Dabo, acknowledged the need for more experience to control crucial matches effectively. “We lack the experience to manage big games like Yanga did. It’s a quality we need to develop,” he admitted.

Dabo also conceded that his decision to start with three defenders left too much spaces for Yanga, prompting a tactical adjustment during the game

Prior to their defeat, Azam had secured a 5-2 victory over Coastal Union in the Community Shield semi-final at New Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar.

Looking ahead, Young Africans will begin their Premier League campaign against Kagera Sugar at Kaitaba Stadium in Kagera on August 29th, while Azam will face JKT Tanzania at KMC Stadium on August 28th.