YOUNG Africans (Yanga ) head coach Miloud Hamdi has expressed his delight following the return of several injured key players, describing their comeback as a major boost ahead of the season-defining fixtures in both the Mainland Premier League and Federation Cup.

Speaking after a recent training session, Hamdi said the return of Tanzanian giants’ trio Khalid Aucho, Pacome Zouzoua, and Kennedy Musonda adds vital depth to his squad and gives him tactical flexibility moving forward.

“We have gained more strength seeing the players back in training,” said Hamdi. “Their presence is like the return of weapons that were missing in previous matches. I am happy to have a strong squad that gives me the strength to make the rotation as I want depending on the opponents that come.”

The Young Africans camp had been significantly affected by injuries over the past few weeks. Ugandan midfielder Aucho (pictured) had been sidelined with a torn hamstring, while Ivorian attacking midfielder Pacome sustained an injury during a high-stakes clash against Azam FC. 

Zambian striker Musonda, on the other hand, was injured during Young Africans’ first match of the Muungano Cup, an invitational tournament the club went on to win. Their return to full training has injected optimism into Young Africans’ preparations as the team eyes a historic double clinching both the league title and the domestic cup.

The trio has already rejoined full team training alongside their teammates, who are preparing for a series of crucial matches. Young Africans currently lead the Premier League table with 70 points from 26 matches, having won 23, drawn once, and lost only two. 

The reigning champions are now gearing up for their 27th league fixture against Namungo FC, set for May 13 at their home ground. In the reverse fixture played earlier this season, Young Africans secured a comfortable 2-0 away victory.

Beyond the Namungo clash, Young Africans schedule intensifies. The club is also preparing for the semi-finals of the Federation Cup, where they will lock horns with JKT Tanzania between May 16 and 18 at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga. 

The winner of that encounter will face the victor between Simba SC and Singida Black Stars in the final. Young Africans will then face their long-time rivals Simba in a rescheduled Dar es Salaam Derby on June 15, a match expected to draw national attention due to its intensity and impact on the title race. 

The derby will be followed by matches against Tanzania Prisons on June 18 and Dodoma Jiji FC on June 22, wrapping up what is expected to be a defining month for the club. Despite recent injury setbacks, Hamdi praised the team’s resilience, noting that they continued to collect maximum points in matches played without the injured trio.

“Even in their absence, we have remained strong and focused. We haven’t lost a single match, and we’ve continued to pick up three points,” he emphasized. “That shows the quality and determination of this team.”

With the return of Aucho’s midfield dominance, Pacome’s creative spark, and Musonda’s attacking threat, Hamdi now has more options to rotate his squad and better manage player fatigue during this busy stretch.

Fans of the Jangwani Street-based side have welcomed the news of the players’ recovery with enthusiasm, as they hope to see their club end the season on a high. The club is aiming to defend their league title and secure the Federation Cup to complete a domestic double. Hamdi’s focus now turns to integrating the returning players seamlessly into his tactical system, while maintaining the momentum his side has built over the season.