YOUNG Africans SC (Yanga) are edging closer to appointing a new head coach as their search to replace Miloud Hamdi intensifies.

Hamdi recently left the Jangwani Street-based club after a brief but successful tenure and has since joined Egyptian Premier League side Ismaily SC. With pre-season preparations scheduled to begin in early August, sources within the club confirm that Young Africans plan to unveil their new coach before the end of July.

Among the front-runners for the job is Rulani Mokwena, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca tactician. Currently unattached, Mokwena has reportedly been contacted by Young Africans, and internal sources confirm that club president Eng. Hersi Said has held direct talks with the South African coach.

Mokwena’s credentials are well-established: he guided Sundowns to several deep runs in the CAF Champions League, including quarter-final, semi-final, and final appearances. Although his time at Wydad Casablanca was short-lived, he stabilized the Moroccan side and led them to a third-place league finish, securing CAF Confederation Cup qualification.

Despite questions over whether Young Africans can meet his salary expectations, insiders suggest that Mokwena may prioritize stability, vision, and professionalism over financial incentives. In a recent interview, he revealed that he had gone months without pay at Wydad and had personally covered costs for some of his technical staff due to the club’s financial challenges.

This may play in Young Africans’ favor, as the Tanzanian giants are considered one of the most financially stable and well-structured clubs on the continent. In recent years, the club has demonstrated its ambition by attracting top players, offering competitive salaries, and investing in long-term growth.

While Mokwena remains a strong candidate, Julien Chevalier (pictured), the current head coach of Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas, has emerged as a fan-favorite and a highly credible option.

Chevalier is renowned for his dynamic, fast-paced, and tactically fluid style of play. More importantly, he has built a reputation for developing young talent and achieving continental success without relying on expensive, high-profile signings. 

Under his guidance, ASEC Mimosas have reached the group stage, quarter-finals, and semi-finals of CAF competitions - often with academy-grown players.

Young Africans fans are already familiar with his work. Attoula Yao and Pacome Zouzoua, two of Young Africans’ current stars, were developed under Chevalier’s watch. Reports also suggest that another of his former proteges, Celestin Ecua, has agreed terms with Young Africans ahead of the upcoming season.

Analysts argue that Chevalier’s football philosophy, youth development strengths, and continental pedigree align well with Young Africans’ long-term vision and recent domestic dominance.

Young Africans’ search for a new head coach comes at a pivotal time. After winning all major domestic trophies and making strides on the continental stage, the club is aiming to surpass the CAF Champions League group stages and cement its place among Africa’s elite.

Whether they opt for Mokwena’s big-match experience and leadership or Chevalier’s tactical innovation and youth-driven approach, the choice will define Young Africans’ ambitions in the coming season.

With the new coach expected to be announced before the end of July, pre-season preparations in August are set to usher in a transformative new chapter for the club.