AZAM FC have made major strides in their preparations for the 2025/2026 season, with reports confirming they have hijacked a potential transfer deal involving Coastal Union defender Lameck Lawi and are in advanced talks to finalize his signing.

The move comes amid heightened competition from other top clubs, including Simba SC, who had initially expressed strong interest in the player.

A highly placed source within Azam, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the club has reached an agreement in principle with Lawi, a commanding central defender, to join the Ice Cream Makers on a two-year deal starting next season.

“Yes, it’s true. Azam are working on signing Lawi on a two-year contract. The agreement is almost finalized. The player is expected to wear the Azam FC jersey from next season,” the source confirmed.

Lawi, who played for Coastal Union last season, had previously been linked with a move to Simba. The Reds of Msimbazi had even gone as far as announcing his capture on a three-year contract last season. However, complications arose between Simba and Coastal Union, particularly regarding the player’s registration status, which saw the matter escalated to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).

Despite Simba’s expectations to land Lawi on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract at Coastal Union, Azam appear to have outmaneuvered their rivals and are now on the brink of completing the deal.

Club insiders at Azam have indicated that Lawi’s arrival is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the squad's defense with a reliable native option. He is expected to compete for a place in the starting lineup with the club’s foreign centre-backs Yeison Fuentes and Yoro Diaby.

Currently, the only notable local player in that position for Azam is Abdallah Kheri, who spent last season on loan at Pamba Jiji. The club’s technical team is evaluating Kheri’s performance before making a final decision on whether to retain him for the upcoming campaign.

In addition to Lawi, Azam have also sealed a sensational return for goalkeeper Aishi Manula from Simba. 

Manula, who previously played for Azam before joining Simba, is regarded as one of the most decorated shot-stoppers in the history of Tanzanian football.

Manula holds the distinction of winning five consecutive Goalkeeper of the Season awards in the Mainland Premier League, spanning from 2016/17 to 2020/21. His return adds a wealth of experience and reliability to Azam’s backline ahead of what promises to be a challenging campaign.

“Azam is focused on improving the squad this transfer window,” added the source. “Some players are joining, others are leaving. A good example is Gibrill Sillah, whose contract ended, and he has now departed. A replacement is needed, especially in the attack.”

Sillah, a Gambian international, was the club’s top scorer last season and his departure has left a void that the club’s scouting team is looking to fill urgently.

As part of a comprehensive rebuild both on and off the pitch, Azam are also on the verge of finalizing the appointment of seasoned Congolese tactician Florent Ibenge (pictured) as the club’s new coach. According to sources familiar with the deal, Ibenge has agreed to a two-year contract, with an option for an extension, making him the highest-paid coach in Tanzania to date.

The 62-year-old former AS Vita and Al-Hilal Omdurman coach is expected to arrive in Dar es Salaam with a backroom staff of three to four members. 

Pre-season training under Ibenge is scheduled to commence on July 25, as Azam gear up for an ambitious 2025/26 campaign which will include participation in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The triple swoop - Lawi’s acquisition, Manula’s return, and Ibenge’s appointment - signals a strong statement of intent from Azam as they look to challenge for domestic silverware and continental success. 

With a mix of experienced local talent and strategic foreign reinforcements, the Chamazi-based side appears determined to rewrite its recent history and establish itself as a dominant force in Tanzanian football once again.