FORMER TP Mazembe defender Ibrahima Keita has officially parted ways with the Congolese giants, just days before the end of his contract, which is set to expire on June 30, and is said to on the way to join Young Africans (Yanga).

The Mauritanian international, who has spent two seasons with the five-time African champions, leaves the club after a mutual agreement between both parties.

Keita (pictured) played a key role for Mazembe during his time at the club, particularly anchoring the right side of the defense with consistency and strength. 

Sources close to the club revealed that while both the player and management were open to discussions, they ultimately chose to part ways amicably to allow the 24-year-old defender to pursue new challenges.

Reliable reports indicate that Keita has already held advanced talks with Premier League champions Young Africans, during a recent visit to Tanzania two weeks ago. 

A credible source familiar with the discussions confirmed that negotiations between Keita and the Jangwani Street-based club have reached an advanced stage, with a deal expected to be finalized soon.

Young Africans are actively seeking a competent replacement for Ivorian right-back Yao Kouassi, who is currently sidelined following knee surgery and is expected to remain out until December this year. 

While the club is planning to extend Kouassi’s contract, they will not register him in the upcoming transfer window to allow him ample time for recovery. If his rehabilitation goes according to plan, Kouassi could rejoin the squad in January 2026.

In the interim, Young Africans have relied on local options such as Kibwana Shomari and Israel Mwenda to fill the right-back role. However, neither player has managed to perform at the high international standard that Young Africans require as they gear up for participation in next season’s CAF Champions League. 

The club’s technical bench believes that a player of Keita’s caliber and experience is essential to solidify their backline as they aim for domestic dominance and continental success.

Keita’s potential arrival is seen as part of Young Africans’ broader strategy to reinforce their defense and build a squad capable of competing at the highest levels. With years of experience in top-tier African football and international appearances for Mauritania, Keita is viewed as a dependable and battle-tested option for the right-back position. 

His physicality, tactical awareness, and ability to contribute to both defensive solidity and attacking build-up make him an ideal fit for the team’s ambitions.

During his time at TP Mazembe, Keita featured in several high-profile continental fixtures, gaining valuable experience in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. 

His performances caught the attention of multiple clubs, but it is Young Africans who appear to be in pole position to secure his signature.

If the deal goes through, Keita would become one of Young Africans’ marquee signings for the upcoming season, adding both depth and leadership to a squad that is expected to challenge for silverware on all fronts. 

His signing would also reflect the club’s growing reputation and intent to compete with the continent’s elite teams, particularly after reaching the final of the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2022/2023 season.

Young Africans technical staff, led by coach Miloud Hamdi, have reportedly endorsed the move, viewing Keita as a player who can instantly make an impact in their system. Club insiders also suggest that the deal includes a competitive package, given Keita’s international profile and proven track record.