Yanga's search for a new defensive midfielder continues to dominate discussions on social media, with fans eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the high-profile player expected to strengthen the team's midfield.
Since the departure of Khalid Aucho, Yanga have struggled to find a like-for-like replacement. This transfer window, club president Hersi Said has made reinforcing the No. 6 position one of the club's top priorities.
Although several names have been linked with the club in recent weeks, reports suggest the mystery surrounding Yanga's new defensive midfielder could soon be resolved.
Olympique Club de Safi midfielder Fred Ngoma has emerged as the latest player strongly linked with a move to the Tanzanian champions.
Sources close to the Congolese midfielder from Congo-Brazzaville indicate that negotiations have taken place, an agreement has reportedly been reached, and Ngoma is likely to be one of the two foreign signings expected to complete Yanga's international recruitment for the season.
Who is Fred Ngoma?
Ngoma is a 28-year-old midfielder from Congo-Brazzaville who spent last season with Olympique Club de Safi (OC Safi) in Morocco's Botola Pro. He was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Experience and Career
Born on November 24, 1997, in Pointe-Noire, Ngoma has built an extensive career across African football. He began his professional journey in Congo-Brazzaville with CSMD Diables Noirs, AC Léopards, and CS La Mancha before establishing himself at AS Otôho between 2018 and 2021. During his time there, he featured in CAF inter-club competitions and earned call-ups to the Congo-Brazzaville national team.
He also has significant experience in North African football, having played for Tunisia's CA Bizertin between 2021 and 2023 before moving to Libya, where he represented Al-Ittihad Tripoli and Al-Akhdar.
Last season with OC Safi in Morocco, Ngoma was a key player, making 27 league appearances in the Botola Pro and accumulating 2,138 minutes of playing time.
Filling the No. 6 Role
Ngoma's expected arrival is viewed as part of Yanga's strategy to strengthen the defensive midfield position.
Standing at 1.73 metres, he is known for his physical style of play, ability to intercept passes, and versatility, with the capability to operate as a central defender, defensive midfielder, or box-to-box midfielder.
If the move is completed, his signing is expected to increase competition within Yanga's squad as the club prepares for the CAF Champions League.
Ngoma had one year remaining on his contract with OC Safi, but after the Moroccan club's relegation, the cost of activating his release clause reportedly dropped by more than 50 percent to approximately TSh150 million.
The clause reportedly allowed him to leave for that amount if OC Safi were relegated from Morocco's top flight.