Nabi defends the team’s machinery

YOUNG Africans Head Coach Nasreddine Nabi said rotation of players in his squad is inevitable as his KMC counterpart Thierry Hitimana blames lack of sharpness on target for the loss.

The duo made the remarks after a tough Premier League fixture at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday evening, of which Yanga cherished a slim 1-0 triumph.

Substitute Feisal Salum netted the solitary goal as his 80th-minute strike was enough to enable his side to claim maximum points as they keep climbing up the league ladders.

Feisal is now the team’s top goal scorer this season with four goals to his name, whereas Fiston Mayele is second in the team with three goals.

The Jangwani street giants have since played 44 league matches without gasping defeat as they eye to defend the championship at the end of the season.

At a post-match briefing, Nabi reiterated that he made some changes to his first eleven to reserve enough energy ahead of the important CAF Confederation Cup match versus Club Africain on November 2nd in Dar es Salaam.

“We knew it would be a difficult match, but we had to make the rotation to balance the team as we expect to play Club Africain. It was also a gesture to allow irregular players,” he said.

Furthermore, the Tunisian tactician hailed Yanga fans for the standing ovation he was given in the 43rd minute of the match as an acknowledgement of his massive achievements at the club’s helm.

“I appreciate the love shown to me by the Yanga family. What they have done is a lifetime reward to me, and it is a real love from them. I have been honoured and respected for what they have done.

“I will continue to do my best to make them happy. I apologise for not waving back at them because by then, I was in the middle of giving players instructions as the game unfolded,” said Nabi.

His KMC colleague Hitimana conceded the defeat, saying his charges were not efficient enough at their opponent’s goal mouth, saying they missed many scoring chances.

“It was a tense match for both sides, and we tried our best to make the most of it, but in the end, the outcome was not what we anticipated. However, this is football, and we must accept the results,” he said.

This season, KMC have managed to hold Simba to a 2-2 draw and defeated Azam 2-1 in their previous league assignment meaning that out of the three league giants, they have only failed to flourish against Yanga.