Yanga target wins as Azam host Mbeya City

DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans Head Coach Romain Folz has made it clear that his team’s mission for the new season is to win every game.

Speaking at a pre-match briefing ahead of today’s clash with Pamba Jiji in the Mainland Premier League clash that will be staged at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Folz highlighted the depth and quality of his squad as the key to achieving their goal.

“This season, every match must bring us three points,” Folz stated.

He continued: “Yanga is a big club and our target is to win the league title. We have top-quality players and a deep squad. Every player is important. I will give everyone a chance depending on their commitment.”

Folz added that the team’s pre-season training has made the squad more compact and well-coordinated, giving him confidence to start the season strong and defend their title.

“As we approach our third competitive match, it’s an important test for us. We are prepared in every aspect. Our strong pre-season has been a key advantage this season,” he said.

Pamba Jiji Head Coach, Francis Baraza, took a different tone, insisting his team won’t be intimidated by the reigning champions.

“I have no fear at all,” Baraza declared. “Yes, I may miss some players tomorrow against Yanga but we have young talents who are ready to step up. We are not here to only defend; we will attack just as we did against Namungo FC.”

Baraza, who has also coached in Kenya, noted that he has been following Tanzanian football and has studied Yanga and their rivals.

Despite this, he maintained that he feels “no pressure whatsoever” ahead of the match. Pamba striker Kelvin Nashon supported his coach’s view, acknowledging Yanga’s strength but expressing excitement for the game.

Meanwhile, later this evening, Azam will host the newly promoted Mbeya City at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam to kick off the Mainland Premier League season.

It will be Azam’s first match of the campaign, while Mbeya City will play their second game after a 1-0 win over Fountain Gate at Tanzanite Kwara Stadium in Babati last week.

Ahead of the match, Azam FC Head Coach Florent Ibenge made it clear that he wants his players to focus on enjoying football.

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He believes that by doing so, the team will be able to secure three points in every match this season.

“Football for me is not pressure. I want my players to enjoy it,” Ibenge said.

Azam midfielder, Yahya Zaid confirmed that the squad is prepared for their opening match against Mbeya City.

He assured fans that the team has learned from last season’s shortcomings and is determined to start the new campaign on a positive note.

Mbeya City’s Head Coach, Malale Hamsini, expressed confidence ahead of their match against Azam FC today.

He said: “We have prepared well for the game and have high expectations of securing a victory. Although we understand it will be a tough match, we are determined to ensure we take all three points.”