Yanga SC head coach Romain Folz is pushing preparations forward as the club builds up to Yanga Day on September 12 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
On Sunday, Yanga edged JKT Tanzania 2-1 in a friendly played at the Isamuhyo Grounds, extending their perfect preseason record despite missing 11 key players away on international duty.
The victory was Yanga’s fourth in as many friendlies, following wins against Rayon Sports (3-1), Fountain Gate (2-1), and Tabora United (4-0).
The absentees included goalkeeper Djigui Diarra (Mali), alongside Mohammed Hussein ‘Tshabalala’, Dickson Job, Ibrahim Bacca, Mudathir Yahya, Edmund John, and Clement Mzize, who were with the Tanzania national team that drew 1-1 away to Congo Brazzaville. Others away were Lassine Kouma and Celestin Ecua (Chad), Moussa Balla Conte (Guinea), and Duke Abuya (Kenya).
Yanga deliberately scheduled the climax of “Wiki ya Mwananchi” for September 12 to align with the FIFA international calendar, ensuring all internationals return in time after the World Cup qualifiers end on September 9.