Yanga recruit former Kaizer Chiefs tactician Mabedi

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S football powerhouse – Young Africans have bolstered their technical team with the appointment of former Kaizer Chiefs Assistant Coach Patrick Mabedi, as the club eye continued domestic and continental success.

The Malawian football legend, best known for his defensive leadership during his playing days at Chiefs, now reunites with familiar working environment under the leadership of Head Coach Romain Folz.

Folz – the French-Mauritanian tactician, who previously managed South African sides AmaZulu and Marumo Gallants, has welcomed Mabedi as his right-hand man ahead of a pivotal CAF Champions League fixture. Mabedi’s coaching credentials are extensive.

Beyond his time at Chiefs where he worked under both Steve Komphela and Giovanni Solinas—he has held roles at Moroka Swallows, All Stars and Mpumalanga Black Aces.

His return to top-tier African football with Yanga, signals an ambitious push by the Tanzanian champions to reinforce their technical bench.

The appointment comes at a critical juncture, with Yanga set to face Malawian side Silver Strikers in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League this Saturday.

The club made the official announcement on Monday, ending speculation about Mabedi’s future, which had included rumours of a potential return to Chiefs following the departure of Nasreddine Nabi.

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However, Yanga moved quickly to secure the services of the 51-year-old, beating out interest from elsewhere and strengthening their coaching setup ahead of a demanding season both domestically and on the continent.

While the club is making moves behind the scenes, uncertainty still clouds the future of head coach Romain Folz.

Several reports have hinted at potential instability, but the coach has been actively leading training sessions, signalling a level of continuity—at least for now.

By appointing Mabedi, the club’s management is not only reinforcing its technical bench but also showing faith in Folz’s leadership as Yanga chase both local dominance and CAF glory.

Yanga currently sits fourth in the Tanzanian Premier League table after two matches, with one win and one draw.

As defending champions, expectations remain high, and the addition of a seasoned campaigner like Mabedi could prove instrumental in navigating the challenges ahead.