YOUNG Africans (Yanga) head coach Miloud Hamdi has moved to reassure supporters about the future of first-choice goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, insisting the club will not let him leave easily without securing a quality replacement.

Amid growing reports that Diarra (pictured) could depart at the end of the season, Hamdi made it clear he has received no official communication regarding the Malian star’s exit. 

However, he emphasized that even if a move materializes, it would be contingent on the club first signing a goalkeeper of similar or better quality. “Releasing Diarra is not as simple as it is being talked about,” Hamdi stressed. “Finding a goalkeeper of his caliber is very difficult. Everyone knows how important he has been to this team. If Diarra were to leave, I would only agree if we brought in the best possible replacement - because players like him are rare.”

Recent rumours have unsettled the Young Africans faithful, suggesting Diarra - whose contract expires at the end of this season - is considering a lucrative offer from abroad. 

Some reports even claim the club's leadership has approved the move, sparking widespread concern among fans who view Diarra as a pillar of the team's success.

Hamdi, however, urged calm, noting that a slight dip in Diarra’s form this season should not overshadow his overall contribution.

“You might say it hasn't been his best season, but I don’t focus solely on the goals conceded - defending is a collective responsibility," he said. 

“Diarra’s quality is undeniable. It’s fortunate for Tanzanian football that a goalkeeper of his ability is playing here; he could easily compete in Europe. He deserves huge credit for everything he’s done for the club.”

Since joining Young Africans from Stade Malien in 2021, Diarra has established himself as one of the top goalkeepers on the continent. 

Over four seasons, he has been instrumental in the club’s domestic and continental triumphs, helping Young Africans secure three consecutive Mainland Premier League titles and two Azam Sports Federation Cups (ASFC).

Diarra has also played a crucial role internationally, helping Young Africans reach the CAF Confederation Cup final and qualify for consecutive CAF Champions League group stages.

In four seasons at Young Africans, Diarra has played 88 matches and conceded only 34 goals - an impressive record considering the fierce competition both domestically and across Africa.
 
 With four league games remaining this season, he has already secured 14 clean sheets, equalling his tally from last season, and is once again a contender for the Golden Glove award.

·       2021/22 Season: Eight goals conceded, 15 clean sheets, Best Goalkeeper award.

·       2022/23 Season: 18 goals conceded, 17 clean sheets, Best Goalkeeper award.

·       2023/24 Season: 14 clean sheets (Best Goalkeeper runner-up).

·       2024/25 Season: 14 clean sheets (so far).

Beyond statistics, Diarra’s style has also impressed. Hamdi highlighted his modern attributes, particularly his ability to initiate attacks through precise distribution - a vital asset in contemporary football.

“Modern football demands goalkeepers who can build from the back, and Diarra excels at that. His composure with the ball at his feet and his quick decision-making are top-class,” Hamdi noted.

Despite the emergence of promising local talents like Abutwalib Mshery and Khomeini Abubakar, Diarra has remained the undisputed number one, underlining his quality and leadership.

As Young Africans pushes to clinch a fourth consecutive league title, Hamdi and the club’s leadership face a critical decision regarding Diarra’s future. 

Although interest from abroad appears genuine, Hamdi’s firm stance suggests that any transfer will only happen if Young Africans secures a top-level replacement to avoid weakening the squad.

For now, Young Africans fans will hope that Diarra - a hero at Jangwani and a symbol of the club’s resurgence on the African stage - will either remain or leave under terms that safeguard the club’s ambitions.