YOUNG Africans have distanced themselves from ongoing speculations that they are on the verge to bring on new striker Cesar Manzoki saying the team’s attacking department has no room for a new player.
The current Vipers SC hitman has been heavily linked to join either of the Kariakoo giants (Simba and Yanga) a development which compelled Yanga’s Head Coach Nasreddine Nabi to publicly declare that he has no intention to sign another striker.
“For now, my striking department is full and there is no room for extra goal poacher…in fact, we have reached the required number of foreign players to be in a team hence, he is not landing here,” said Nabi.
Also, reacting further after guiding his side to a comfortable 2-0 win against Coastal Union at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha over the weekend, Nabi expressed his dissatisfaction on the way referees handle games saying they are not protecting well players.
His sentiments came in response to a career threatening foul by Coastal Union’s Mtenje Albano on Yannick Bangala midway into the first half which saw him (Albano) picking up a yellow card so as Bangala for his reaction after the incident.
“Players need to be protected on the pitch…that foul on Bangala was very dangerous. Each player should understand that they are playing football in order to get something to help their families.
“As such; if you injure your colleague, it means you are not only affecting him but his family at large. The three points being fought on the pitch should be scrambled amicably without endangering careers of others,” he said.
On his part, Coastal Union coach Juma Mgunda said mistakes displayed by his charges were the main reason for the defeat insisting that when playing against a team of Yanga caliber, you have to minimise mistakes.
“Both goals we conceded came as a result of our own mistakes. As a coach, I take full responsibility for the mistakes and will work hard to sort them out ahead of other upcoming games,” he said.
It was the first defeat for the Tanga based giants in the unfolding campaign after producing a 1-0 win against KMC at the same venue in their league opening encounter.
Coming up, Mgunda’s men will host Polisi Tanzania at the same arena in the third round of the Premier League campaign.
After the suspension of their Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga, Coastal Union have opted to use Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium as their home territory while awaiting upgrade of their turf.
