DAR ES SALAAM: FOLLOWING their preseason training abroad, coaches from Young Africans Simba and Azam have expressed their satisfaction with their teams’ performances and progress.
All three teams had productive training camps and played three test matches each to fine-tune their squads ahead of the new season.
Young Africans coach Miguel Gamondi highlighted the valuable lessons learned from their pre-season matches in South Africa.
Despite a 2-1 defeat to FC Augsburg in the Mpumalanga Premier’s International Cup, Yanga impressed by defeating TS Galaxy 1-0 and securing a 4-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Toyota Cup.
“Throughout the pre-season, we have learned many crucial things that will benefit us in the upcoming season,” Gamondi said.
“I’m particularly impressed with how well the new players have adapted. We have a competitive squad, but there’s always room for improvement.”
ALSO READ: CAF DRAWS: Simba, Yanga & Azam opponents unveiled
Similarly, Simba coach Fadlu Davids lauded his charges after winding up their camp held in Ismailia in Egypt, saying it has helped him a lot to know his players better.
“The pre-season drills have been instrumental in understanding my players,” Davids noted.
“We’ve seen significant improvements in player coordination, which is essential for our success.”
Simba won all three of their test matches, starting with a 3-0 victory over Canal SC, followed by a 2-1 win against Telecom Egypt and ending with a 2-1 triumph over Al-Adalah at Suez Canal Stadium.
On his part, Azam trainer Bruno Ferry said the drills they had in Morocco have helped them to improve the mindset of the players ahead of the competitive 2024/25 season.
“It’s been an interesting camp and the new players have shown great promise,” Ferry said.
“We are now preparing for the competitive matches ahead in the Premier League and the CAF Champions League.”
Azam’s pre-season included a 3-0 win against US Yacoub El Mansour, a 1-1 draw with Union Touarga and a 4-1 defeat by Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.
All three teams have one final international friendly before turning their attention to the competitive season, where Yanga will face Zambian champions, Red Arrows at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on August 4th (Sunday) to celebrate Yanga Day while their bitter rivals Simba will take on APR of Rwanda at the same venue on August 3rd (Saturday) for Simba Day and Azam will compete against Rayon Sports at Amahoro National Stadium in Rwanda on August 3rd (Saturday) to mark Rayon Day.