Among the players who have made a significant contribution to Yanga's success this season is the international goalkeeper from Mali, Djigui Diarra.
Although he started the season a bit slowly due to injuries that kept him out of several early matches, his return marked the beginning of another period of stability and strength in the Wananchi's defensive line.
Statistics That Speak
Since returning to the squad, Diarra has displayed the same high-level performance that has made him the first-choice goalkeeper in all the seasons he has served at Jangwani. So far, he has kept 15 clean sheets in 21 matches, averaging 0.76 clean sheets per match — a very high rate for any goalkeeper in the Tanzanian Premier League this season.
To understand the significance of these numbers, we compare him with his major rival, Moussa Camara of Simba SC, who also has 16 clean sheets, but in 26 matches, giving him an average of 0.68 clean sheets per match.
If the Best Goalkeeper of the Season award were based on a technical evaluation — taking into account the ratio of matches played to clean sheets — then Djigui Diarra would already be the winner of that award.
Last season, Diarra lost the award to former Coastal Union goalkeeper Vumile Matampi, despite having a strong season. That has only increased his hunger and determination to win the award this season.
Currently, Yanga leads the league with 73 points, with two remaining matches against Tanzania Prisons and Dodoma Jiji. Yanga has taken a firm stance not to play the match against Simba, scheduled for June 15.
It is clear that Diarra will fight hard to ensure he finishes the season strongly in those remaining matches.
