REIGNING Mainland Premier League champions Young Africans (Yanga) will begin their quest for a fifth consecutive league crown when they welcome Pamba Jiji to the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium tonight, with kick-off scheduled for 7 PM.

The Jangwani Street giants head into the clash brimming with confidence after a dominant start to the 2025/26 campaign. Under the guidance of head coach Romain Folz (pictured), Young Africans brushed aside fierce rivals Simba SC to lift the Community Shield and cruised past Angolan outfit Wiliete in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg last Friday.

 History is also firmly on their side. Young Africans completed a league double over Pamba Jiji last season, winning 4–0 at home in October before recording a 3–0 away victory in February. Folz, however, has urged his side not to take anything for granted as they look to set the tone for another title-chasing campaign.

 “This is our first league match, but actually the third official game of the season, so we are already in competitive rhythm,” Folz told reporters on the eve of the match. “Our goal is to deliver the best performance possible - physically, tactically, technically, and mentally. We had a solid preseason and are ready for the challenges ahead.”

 The French-Moroccan tactician emphasized the importance of treating every fixture with the same focus and intensity. “In the league, every game carries three points, so they are all equally important. Of course, starting strong matters, but our objective is to do even better than last season, week after week,” he said.

 Folz also hinted that some of Young Africans’ new signings could feature but stressed the value of his deep squad. “At a big club, you need depth because you compete on many fronts. My job is to prepare 11 players for the pitch and ensure everyone is ready when called upon. Whoever doesn’t feature in one match will have their chance later,” he said.

Pamba Jiji, coached by Francis Baraza, approach the fixture in high spirits after holding Namungo FC to a 1–1 draw in their season opener. Baraza has vowed to maintain his attacking philosophy despite facing a formidable opponent.