Despite Yanga SC’s major signings during this transfer window, it's clear that the new stars will have to work hard to secure a spot in the starting lineup.
The competition is expected to be especially intense in the midfield, where Yanga has significantly strengthened with key additions.
Midfielders Mohammed Abdallah ‘Casemiro’, Moussa Balla Conte, Mohamed Doumbia, and Lassine Kouma have joined a department that previously featured the likes of Mudathir Yahya, Duke Abuya, and Maxi Nzengeli — following the departures of Stephane Aziz Ki and Khalid Aucho.
Recently, in the opening CHAN match between Tanzania and Burkina Faso, Mudathir showed the new signings just how tough it will be to take his place in the starting XI.
In that match, Mudathir played as a number 8 and was instrumental in both goals scored by Taifa Stars. His pass to Clement Mzize led to a penalty, and later he delivered a brilliant assist to Idd Nado, who crossed the ball for Mohamed Hussein ‘Zimbwe Jr’ to score — a player now awaiting official introduction at Yanga.
Duke Abuya’s position is also secure for now. The Kenyan midfielder ended last season strongly and may well have been a factor in Yanga’s decision to part ways with Aucho. Abuya is consistently fit and rarely misses games due to injury.
Maxi Nzengeli is another versatile player who is hard to leave out. Often overlooked during pre-season, Maxi tends to shine when the season begins, becoming a fixture in the first team.
He’s the type of player whose contributions on the pitch are so vital that no coach would easily bench him when he’s fit.
Coach Romain Folz and his technical team will face a major challenge in selecting players for each match, given that every position in the Yanga squad is packed with quality options ready for any game.
