SINGIDA Black Stars spokesperson Hussein Massanza has confirmed that the club is proceeding with preparations for the Federation Cup final, despite ongoing threats from their opponents, Young Africans (Yanga), to withdraw from the match.
The final is scheduled to take place on June 28 at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, the same venue that hosted last year’s Federation Cup final, where Young Africans defeated Azam FC on penalties.
This will be the third meeting between Singida Black Stars and Young Africans this season. Young Africans won both league encounters - 1-0 and 2-1 - with the first of those fixtures also held at the New Amaan Complex.
Young Africans have recently declared their refusal to participate in their remaining four league matches and, by extension, may also forgo the Federation Cup final.
The club, through their Media Officer Ali Kamwe, has insisted they will not take part in any competition until last season’s Federation Cup prize money is paid.
Despite this uncertainty, Singida Black Stars remain focused and undeterred. Massanza emphasized that the team is eager to make history by winning its first-ever major trophy and is training hard in preparation for the final.
“We can't speak for Young Africans - their issues are with the Federation, not us or the other teams in the league,” Massanza said. “We’re continuing our preparations for our two remaining Mainland Premier League fixtures, as well as the final against Young Africans.”
The team still has two league matches to play: an away fixture against Dodoma Jiji and a home match against Tanzania Prisons.
Massanza affirmed that Singida Black Stars will travel to Zanzibar as planned, expressing hope that the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) will resolve Young Africans’ grievances in time.
“We want to make history,” he continued. “Our club has already qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds next season, and now we want to win a trophy.
“We can’t boycott the final. What if we don’t show up and Yanga does? That would be a serious issue for us. We’ll be on the field, ready to play on the scheduled date, and we hope the match goes ahead.”
From a competitive standpoint, Young Africans have clearly had the upper hand over Singida Black Stars this season. Young Africans currently lead the Mainland Premier League with 73 points from 27 matches, boasting the league’s best attack (71 goals) and the tightest defense (just 10 goals conceded), for a staggering +61 goal difference.
By contrast, Singida Black Stars sit 4th on the table with 53 points from 28 matches. They have scored 40 goals, conceded 22, and hold a goal difference of +18.
While the final remains clouded in uncertainty, Singida Black Stars’ firm stance underlines their readiness to seize the moment - should Young Africans ultimately decide to participate.
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