YOUNG Africans (Yanga) coach Miloud Hamdi has been crowned Coach of the Month for April in the 2024/25 NBC Premier League season, following an unbeaten run with the league leaders.

Meanwhile, Dodoma Jiji striker Iddi Kipwagile earned the Player of the Month award after a string of outstanding performances for his club. Hamdi (pictured), who led Young Africans to four consecutive victories during the month, edged out strong competition from Tanzania Prisons’ Amani Josiah and Singida Black Stars’ David Ouma to clinch the prestigious coaching accolade. 

Under his guidance, the defending champions defeated Tabora United 3-0, Coastal Union 1-0, Azam FC 2-1, and Fountain Gate 4-0, results that ensured they remained at the top of the league standings.

Hamdi’s tactical acumen, squad rotation, and attacking discipline were key in Young Africans’ dominant run, solidifying the team’s pursuit of yet another league title. His ability to maintain consistency amid a tight schedule earned him recognition from the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Awards Committee.

In the player category, Kipwagile emerged victorious after a series of impactful displays across four matches. He triumphed over Young Africans’ Ivorian midfielder Pacome Zouzoua and Tanzania Prisons winger Haruni Chanongo in a closely contested race.

Kipwagile’s April campaign saw him score three goals and provide assists in three matches, directly contributing to six goals in total. His influence was instrumental in Dodoma Jiji’s performances, as he featured in all four games, amassing 320 minutes on the pitch. His sharpness in front of goal and creative link-up play significantly boosted the club’s attacking force.

The TFF Awards Committee noted Kipwagile’s consistent form and his crucial role in his team’s offensive output, which earned him the recognition as April’s best performer in the topflight league.

In addition to the top-tier accolades, the committee also recognized efforts in the Championship, the second division of Tanzanian football.  Stand United’s Emmanuel Maziku was named Player of the Month for April in the Championship, while Transit Camp head coach Ramadhan Ahmada was awarded the Coach of the Month title for the same division.

Maziku, who faced competition from Mohammed Hassan of Transit Camp and Ramadhan Kipalamoto of Songea United, impressed with his goal-scoring prowess. 

He netted four goals in three appearances, accumulating 194 minutes of play. His clinical finishing and ability to make decisive contributions underlined his growing influence in the Championship.

On the coaching side, Ahmada stood out for his transformative impact on Transit Camp. He guided the team to three wins in three matches, steering the club from 15th place to 13th in the league standings. 

His efforts were recognized ahead of Mbeya City’s Malale Hamsini and Mtibwa Sugar’s Awadh Juma. Ahmada’s success was attributed to his strategic adjustments and motivational leadership, which revitalized his squad and produced immediate results. 

The turnaround in form also improved the team’s prospects of climbing further up the table. The awards also extended beyond the pitch, with recognition for excellence in stadium management. Ashraf Omar, the manager of Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam, was named Stadium Manager of the Month for April. 

The committee applauded his role in ensuring smooth matchday operations, infrastructure upkeep, and adherence to matchday standards. Omar’s commitment to improving the stadium environment and ensuring quality service delivery during fixtures was noted as a critical factor in enhancing the match experience for both players and fans.

The monthly awards, organized by the TFF through its Awards Committee, aim to recognize outstanding performers in Tanzanian football, both on and off the pitch.  The accolades serve to motivate players, coaches, and officials to maintain high standards in the domestic leagues.