Young Africans aware of Namungo FC challenge - Goncalves

Young Africans head coach Pedro Goncalves admitted the Tanzanian Premier League champions will face a stern test when they face Namungo FC in a league fixture at Majaliwa Stadium in Ruangwa, Lindi on Sunday.

The Citizens will be making their return to domestic campaign following their failure to reach the knockout stages of the CAF Champions League. Young Africans went into their final group fixture with a chance to qualify but they lost 1-0 against AS FAR away.

Yanga, who have played eight matches so far in the league, will now start their journey to climb up the table to the top against Namungo. However, the former Angolan coach has revealed they will not underrate their opponents.

Young Africans will do everything to get three points

“We are well aware of the challenge that awaits us tomorrow (Sunday),” Goncalves told Pan-Africa Football. “We are going through a very busy schedule of matches, but we have to play one match at a time.

“Sunday, we will be away against Namungo, but we will play with the same philosophy that we follow in every game. At the end of the day, we will do everything we can to get three points and continue our journey well.”

Goncalves added: “We will play against Namungo, a team that has had a very good season so far. I think they are fifth in the league standings. They are a very strong team when they play at home. They have often won their home matches, which shows their quality.”

Asked to explain injury situation at Yanga, he said: “Unfortunately, we have some injured players, who could not come with the team; Aziz suffered a minor injury, we are still monitoring his condition but we hope it is not a serious problem.

“Edmond has an injury he sustained last week; he may return to training in a few days. Pacome suffered a concussion after a collision with the goalkeeper in the previous game, so he is not in good condition at the moment.”

He added: “Kibwana and Mshery are also sick and could not travel. Dube had a health problem during training, while Mzize is doing well and is receiving intensive care before he returns to be with us.

“However, the players present will do everything they can to help the team get three points on Sunday.”

Goncalves elated with fans’ reception

In his message to the Yanga fans, he said: “First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the people who welcomed us since we arrived.

“The reception we received from the time we landed until we got here was very good and has touched each of us. I believe everyone is very excited about tomorrow’s game and the energy given to us gives us great motivation.”

Young Africans goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga, said: “On behalf of my fellow players, we are well prepared for our game… and there is nothing more important than fighting to get three points.

“We have seen a great reception from our fans and it has given us great motivation to fight, so let me take this opportunity to strongly urge our fans to come to the stadium in large numbers.”

Young Africans are currently sitting third on the table with 22 points garnered from seven wins, one draw, and zero defeats.

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