In this transfer window, Yanga SC has pulled off one of its biggest signings by officially unveiling defensive midfielder Moussa Balla Conte, a Guinean player who joined from CS Sfaxien.
But behind this success story is the influence of the club’s president, Engineer Hersi Said, who is credited as the key weapon in securing the highly contested deal.
Yanga’s Media and Communications Manager, Ali Kamwe, has revealed the critical role Hersi played in leading the negotiations and securing Conte, despite the player being targeted by several clubs, including their arch-rivals Simba SC.
Face-to-Face Talks That Disrupted Simba’s Plans
Kamwe explained that a face-to-face meeting between Hersi and Conte changed everything. During that conversation, Conte was strongly convinced about Yanga’s vision, his role in the squad, and the club’s development plans. According to Kamwe, Hersi’s personal influence was the first key to winning the battle.
"While transfer rumors circulated online, we had already signed Conte on July 11, after discussions between him and our president, Engineer Hersi Said," said Kamwe.
Coach’s Recommendation, GSM Investment, and Swift Action
Kamwe stated that Conte’s signing was a special request from Yanga’s new head coach, who needed a skilled natural defensive midfielder. After assessing the squad, Conte was identified as the right fit.
Following the coach’s recommendation, Hersi quickly contacted the player’s agent and CS Sfaxien to ensure all formalities progressed rapidly. Financial backing from investor GSM was crucial to finalizing the deal.
"The second weapon we used was GSM’s investment power, which funded everything after the agreement was reached," Kamwe explained.
Simba Tried But…
Kamwe also disclosed that Simba SC tried hard to sign Conte, using both their coach and goalkeeper Camara (a friend of Conte) to persuade him, but Conte was more attracted to Yanga’s development project.
ITC and Early Unveiling
The process was officially completed on Friday night when Conte signed his contract, before Tunisia’s Football Federation (FTF) sent the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) the following Saturday. Due to high pressure from other clubs still pursuing Conte, Yanga was forced to unveil the player earlier than planned.
"He personally asked us to unveil him quickly to ease the pressure. Even while he was in the country completing formalities, offers continued to pour in," Kamwe concluded.
Conte has joined Yanga to strengthen the defensive midfield following the coach’s assessment that, although current midfielders are talented in their roles, they are not natural defensive midfielders.
