AZAM FC, with their Mainland Premier League title hopes fading but their CAF Confederation Cup ambitions still alive, are shifting focus towards strengthening their squad with experienced players for the next season.

Head Coach Rachid Taoussi plans to blend experienced players with the current youthful squad to enhance the team’s competitiveness. 

According to global football data platform Transfermarkt, Azam FC’s squad for the 2024/2025 season is relatively young:

·         Overall Average Age: 25.6 years

·         Breakdown by Position:

o    Goalkeepers: 25.9 years

o    Defenders: 25.4 years

o    Midfielders: 26.2 years

o    Attackers: 25.0 years

Azam currently hold a record of 14 wins, six draws, and three losses from 23 matches, scoring 36 goals and conceding 12, giving them a +24 goal difference.

While commending his young players for their performance this season, Taoussi believes adding experience will be crucial for success in both domestic and international competitions.

Azam’s season has been highlighted by Feisal Salum’s exceptional playmaking, leading the league with 12 assists. 

Defensively, goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa has been a standout performer, securing 10 clean sheets, placing him third in the league behind Djigui Diarra (11) and Moussa Camara (15).

However, Taoussi has raised concerns over the inconsistency of his attacking line. Jhonier Blanco and Nassoro Saadun have struggled to maintain their first-round form, prompting the coach to prioritize acquiring experienced attacking players. 

He also acknowledged that inconsistent performances throughout the squad have hindered the team’s ability to secure consistent results.

To address these challenges, Taoussi aims to assemble a more reliable and balanced squad for the upcoming season. His objective is to ensure greater consistency and improved performances across all competitions.

"There are players who, if they don't improve in the remaining matches, I will have no reason to keep them. At the same time, there are those whom Azam need to ensure they retain to maintain the team’s foundation," said Taoussi.

"Next season, I want to have experienced players who will put the team in a better position than it is now, but there will also be some who will leave."

Now in his first season with the club, the coach is determined to secure a top-three finish this season. He believes his squad has the potential to challenge the experienced teams of Simba and Young Africans for the championship next season.

Taoussi has identified three major objectives for the upcoming season: Improving upon their second-place Premier League finish from last season, qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup and making a strong run in the Federation Cup after this season’s early exit.

Azam suffered an early elimination from the Federation Cup this season, losing to Mbeya City in the round of 32 via penalty shootouts after a dramatic 1-1 draw, in which Azam equalized in the 93rd minute.

With seven games remaining this season, Azam will host Tabora United, Young Africans, and Dodoma Jiji at home, while traveling to face KenGold, Singida Black Stars, Fountain Gate FC, and Kagera Sugar away.

Taoussi remains focused on building a stronger, more consistent squad that can compete at the highest level in all three competitions next season.