Yanga face struggling KenGold

MBEYA: DEFENDING Champions Young Africans return to domestic football as they visit struggling debutants KenGold at Sokoine Stadium in the Mbeya region today.

The fixture heralds an intensified battle for points in the topflight today, as four teams vie for crucial victories across two venues.

Elsewhere, JKT Tanzania will take on Coastal Union at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Coincidentally, aside from Yanga, the other three teams—Coastal Union, JKT Tanzania and KenGold—are all seeking their first win of the season following a series of disappointing performances.

JKT Tanzania remains winless after three games, while Coastal Union and KenGold have yet to secure a victory in their four league fixtures.

Ahead of their second match of the season, Yanga coach Miguel Gamondi urged his players to respect their opponents, emphasising that despite KenGold’s four consecutive losses, they pose a formidable threat.

“When facing a newly promoted team that has struggled, caution is crucial.

Knowing they are up against Yanga will motivate them to perform well and strive for a positive result, making this match challenging,” Gamondi remarked.

He, however, warned their rivals that they are prepared to fight hard for maximum points, despite expecting a tough game.

The holders kicked off their title defensive campaign on a high having secured a hard fought 2-0 win over Kagera Sugar at Kaitaba Stadium on August 29, this year.

On the other hand, KenGold coach Jumanne Chale expressed confidence in his team’s preparations, emphasising efforts to boost the players’ morale following a challenging start to the season.

“After four consecutive defeats, our priority has been to enhance the players’ psychological resilience,” he said.

“We are ready for tomorrow’s match and are determined to restore confidence in the team.

Our fans should come out in large numbers to support us as we aim to surprise the defending champions. This could be our turning point in the league.”

Currently, KenGold sit at the bottom of the 16-team table, without any points from four matches, with 8 goals conceded, while scoring only 2.

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Yanga go into the match on the back of a strong performance in CAF Champions League, which saw Gamondi’s charges easy past Ethiopian side, CBE SA, with a 7-0 aggregate win to ease into the group stage of the premium club championship.