YOUNG Africans SC (Yanga) have bolstered their attacking ranks with the acquisition of Offen Chikola from Tabora United, signing the 26-year-old winger on a three-year contract running until June 2028.

The Morogoro native arrives at Jangwani as Young Africans’ second signing of the summer, following Moussa Balla Conte’s transfer from CS Sfaxien in Tunisia.

Chikola’s arrival has sparked excitement among Young Africans fans eager to see more local talent integrated into the squad. After years of relying heavily on foreign wingers, the question now is whether Chikola can deliver the pace, creativity and goals to complement Young Africans’ potent attack.

From Flashes of Promise to a Breakthrough

Chikola’s career has been one of gradual development and resilience. Initially viewed as a raw but exciting talent at Geita Gold, his early years were marked by inconsistency and poor decision-making in the final third. 

In Geita Gold’s debut season in the Mainland Premier League, he scored just once in 18 appearances, often frustrating supporters with erratic performances.

The following season (2022/23) offered modest improvements: two goals and one assist in 30 league appearances. However, his progress seemed to stall during the 2023/24 campaign, as Geita Gold were relegated and Chikola failed to register a single goal or assist in 22 matches. Critics questioned whether he had plateaued.

But his move to Tabora United proved to be a turning point. A productive 2024/25 season saw him reinvent himself as a reliable attacking threat. 

Operating mainly on the right wing, Chikola scored seven league goals, the second-highest tally among local players in the division. His performances were characterised by a newfound composure in front of goal and an improved work rate off the ball, qualities that caught the attention of Young Africans’ recruitment team.

What Does He Bring to Yanga?

Chikola is most effective cutting inside from the right wing onto his favoured left foot, from where he can either shoot or deliver dangerous crosses. Last season, five of his seven goals came from his cultured left foot, underlining his ability to finish when given the opportunity.

Another appealing aspect of his game is his durability. Over the past four seasons, Chikola has missed only 21 games, a testament to his fitness and consistency in availability - an important trait for a Young Africans side that competes on multiple fronts.

With Dennis Nkane and Farid Mussa yet to convince in wide areas, Chikola arrives at a time when Young Africans are crying out for a local winger with end product and dynamism. His pressing from the front will also fit into the team tactical setup, which demands high energy and discipline from the wide players.

The Big Challenge: Consistency at the Top Level

While Chikola’s growth at Tabora United is encouraging, the leap from a mid-table Premier League side to the demands of a title-chasing, CAF Champions League-contending club like Young Africans is significant. At Jangwani, he will face greater competition for places, higher expectations, and less margin for error.

The pressure to perform week in, week out in front of the club’s demanding fanbase could be a make-or-break factor. Can Chikola replicate his form from Tabora United on the continental stage? Can he maintain his productivity against better defenders and under more tactical scrutiny?

A Signing With Symbolic Value

Beyond his technical qualities, Chikola’s signing carries symbolic weight for Young Africans and Tanzanian football. The big clubs have often been criticised for overlooking homegrown talent in favour of foreign imports. 

By securing one of the league’s best performing Tanzanian wingers, Young Africans are sending a message about their commitment to nurturing and trusting local players.

If Chikola succeeds, it could open the door for more local talents to follow a similar path, proving that players from less glamorous clubs can rise to prominence with the right attitude and development. If he fails, local talents would continue playing catch up to foreign imports in terms of value and hype. 

At 26, Chikola is entering his prime years and finally appears ready to deliver on the potential he has long shown. His improved finishing, versatility across the front line, and availability make him a smart addition for Young Africans. 

 However, his ultimate success will depend on whether he can adapt to the heightened demands and pressure of playing for one of East Africa’s most storied clubs.

For Young Africans, Chikola represents both a calculated gamble and a beacon of hope for more local representation in key attacking roles. 

If he rises to the occasion, the Morogoro-born winger could be the missing piece in Young Africans’ quest for sustained domestic dominance and continental success.