Yanga SC have made an impressive start to their NBC Premier League campaign, securing their second consecutive victory after thrashing Coastal Union 4-1 yesterday at KMC Complex. The result followed their 3-1 win over Namungo FC in the opening match.
At first glance, the results suggest that Yanga are already developing into a winning machine. However, according to the club's Head of Information and Communications, Ali Kamwe, the Wananchi should not get carried away by the praise or believe the team has already reached its peak.
Kamwe stressed that Yanga are still in the process of building the team and, in his assessment, the squad is currently only around 25 percent of what the technical bench wants to see on the pitch.
Writing on his social media page, Kamwe said:
“Our team is still a work in progress. We should not be put under pressure by analysts, nor should we get carried away by the praise. Yanga have not yet reached the level of excellence being discussed or written about at the moment.
“If we are talking in percentages, we are only at 25 percent of what the technical bench wants to see happen on the pitch.
“Let us give our coach Manqoba Mngqithi time to continue putting things right on the training ground.
“Let us continue supporting our players so they can keep working hard and understanding the technical bench's plans, so that we can achieve the right combination to cause problems for our opponents.
“My message to the Wananchi: you have seen our style of play. It requires the players to work harder and run more on the pitch.
“I want to assure the Wananchi that if we are to make this happen, it is us, the fans, who have a role to play. If we come to the stadiums in large numbers, cheer and maintain our energy from start to finish, this momentum will continue throughout.
“Yesterday, after scoring three goals, it was as if we became satisfied in the stands and started watching the match while playing on our phones. This is very dangerous. When we lose our energy, everything loses its momentum.
“For our players to maintain a high tempo throughout the match, they need to hear our voices. If the coach wants the team not to slow down, why should we slow down? We must not relax. There should be no complacency. We can hold our phones after the match.
“Hopefully, God willing, on Monday we will correct this, and together with the fans and members from the branches, we will cheer for our Yanga from start to finish.”
The statement comes despite Yanga's dominant display against Coastal Union, with Albert Kangwanda, Maxi Nzengeli, Mudathir Yahya and Mohamed Hussein ‘Zimbwe Jr’ getting on the scoresheet. Peter Shalulile also had two goals ruled out for offside.
