YOUNG Africans SC’s Media and Information Manager, Ali Kamwe, has urged fans to actively take part in community activities ahead of the climax of Mwananchi Week.

The club will wrap up the annual celebration this Friday with an international friendly match against Kenya Premier League side Bandari FC at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The game will serve as a final tune-up before the new season and a build-up to the Community Shield final against archrivals Simba SC on September 16.

Kamwe (pictured) revealed that Young Africans have lined up several fan-based community initiatives, including a blood drive at the club’s headquarters, tree planting, cleaning campaigns across Dar es Salaam, and a special prayer session for the team’s success in the upcoming season.

“Our plans for the new season are in place, starting with the climax of Mwananchi Week on Friday,” said Kamwe. “Before then, we want our fans involved in activities that benefit the community. After that, we’ll be fully focused on the match against Bandari FC.”

He urged supporters to fill Mkapa Stadium, insisting the day holds great importance for both players and fans.

“It would be a surprise if the stadium isn’t packed because this is the day we’ve all been waiting for. Even the players are excited. One of them, Celestin Ekua, even requested his national team to release him so he could prepare for Mwananchi Week. That shows how much this day means to us,” Kamwe emphasized.

In preparation for the new season, Young Africans have played several friendlies against JKT Tanzania, Rayon Sports, Tabora United, and Singida Black Stars.

The club heads into the 2025/26 campaign looking to build on their dominance in the 2023/24 Mainland Premier League season, where they were crowned champions with 80 points from 30 matches, including 26 wins, two draws, and only two defeats.

This season, Young Africans will be aiming for a historic fifth consecutive league title and Federation Cup triumph. However, they face a tougher challenge following significant changes to their squad and technical bench.

Their rivals have also bolstered their ranks - Simba SC with a revamped squad and Azam FC under experienced coach Florent Ibenge,. In addition, coach Miguel Gamondi, a former Young Africans tactician familiar with the team and the league, now leads Singida Black Stars, adding another tactical battle to the title race.

With these changes, the competition for silverware is expected to be much fiercer, making Young Africans’ quest for glory more challenging than ever.