Young Africans SC (Yanga) are finalizing their preparations for the first-leg CAF Champions League playoff match against Silver Strikers, scheduled for next Saturday at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Yanga’s Media and Communications Manager, Ali Kamwe, stated that after assessing the conditions in Lilongwe, they found that the weather is currently very hot, and the team is preparing accordingly to adapt to those conditions.
Kamwe explained that this was the reason they chose to play their recent friendly match against TRA United during the afternoon under the scorching sun. The game, held last Friday at Gymkhana Ground, ended in a goalless draw and concluded at midday.
He said the purpose of scheduling the match at that time was to help the players get used to playing in hot conditions, as their upcoming match in Malawi will kick off at 4:00 p.m. Tanzania time (3:00 p.m. Malawi time), when temperatures are expected to be high.
"We played the match in the afternoon under intense sun because we received reports that Malawi is currently very hot. That’s why we wanted to simulate those conditions, and fortunately, our friends from TRA United agreed," Kamwe said.
"The game ended in a draw, but that wasn’t the main goal. Our objective was to help the players acclimatize to such conditions so that once we arrive there, the weather won’t be a problem, and we’ll be physically stronger. I believe with this preparation, we will perform well," he added.
Regarding fan preparations, Kamwe noted that there has been great enthusiasm, especially from supporters in nearby regions such as Mbeya and Iringa.
"I would like to commend our members and fans from Mbeya and Iringa — they’ve shown strong motivation to travel to Malawi. In Dar es Salaam, I’m also seeing growing excitement as people prepare for the trip. I urge all Yanga fans to continue coming out in large numbers to support our team in Malawi. Only two matches remain — away and home — for us to reach the group stage," Kamwe emphasized.
After the first leg on Saturday, the return match will take place on October 25 at 5:00 p.m. at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Yanga advanced to this round of the CAF Champions League after eliminating Angola’s Wiliete du Benguela with a 5–0 aggregate score, winning 3–0 away and 2–0 at home in the preliminary stage.
Source: IPP Media
