YOUNG Africans (Yanga) head coach Miloud Hamdi expressed his firm belief that his team fully deserved to be crowned champions this season following a decisive 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Simba SC at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Wednesday.

The victory secured Young Africans’ fourth consecutive Mainland Premier League title. 

The reigning champions needed only a draw to clinch the crown, but second-half goals from Pacome Zouzoua and substitute Clement Mzize sealed a commanding win - cementing Young Africans’ dominance in the season’s most anticipated fixture.

Young Africans were the only side to defeat Simba in league play this season, having also recorded a 1-0 win in the first round.

Their supremacy is further reflected in the season’s statistics. They led the league in goals scored with 83 and had the best defensive record, conceding just 10 goals. Over the course of the campaign, they suffered only two defeats - against Azam FC and Tabora United - and registered one draw, against JKT Tanzania.

Head coach Miloud Hamdi (pictured), visibly emotional and elated, praised his squad’s determination and execution.

“I'm so happy because we've been fighting for six months for this,” Hamdi said. “Before the game, I told the players: ‘You have 90 minutes to be strong.’ At halftime, I reminded them, ‘You have 45 minutes left, and you'll be champions.’ We won—bravo to my players!”

Hamdi credited the team’s tactical discipline as a key factor in their triumph.

“On Tuesday, we set one objective: beat Simba and win the title,” he explained. “We executed our plan perfectly. Tactically, we were excellent today. I dedicate this championship to everyone who loves and supports Yanga. I'm incredibly proud to be the coach of this team.”

He also emphasized the level of hard work and sacrifice that fueled their success.

“Believe me, we're exhausted. We've worked incredibly hard - physically, tactically, technically. No one can fully understand the level of effort we've put in,” Hamdi noted. “But you saw it on the pitch today. The players gave everything, and now we're champions.”

Hamdi hailed the collective contribution of the entire squad - including players who didn’t feature in the match.

“Even the players who didn’t step on the pitch today -this victory belongs to them too. Everyone played their role: the starters, the substitutes, those on the bench. We’ve worked so hard on the tactical side of the game, and today we saw the result.”

He took time to acknowledge the club’s leadership, singling out President Eng. Hersi Said and the executive committee for their unwavering support.

“They deserve congratulations for everything they’ve done, both on and off the field,” said Hamdi. “They’ve managed this team with integrity, defended its image, and supported us through every step.”

The French-Algerian coach also praised the role of the club’s sponsors for enabling Young Africans to build a top-tier squad.

“Thanks to the support of our sponsors, we have some of the best players in the league - players who fight for the badge with everything they’ve got.”

He also lauded the Young Africans fans who turned out in large numbers to support the team.

“I’m so happy for the fans who came out today. This title belongs to them as well. Their support has been incredible all season.”

He also had a message for Simba and their supporters, calling for recognition of Young Africans’ dominance.

“This is our fifth straight win over Simba, and it’s time for respect,” he stressed. “They have a long way to go to reach the level that Yanga is at. Tonight is a tough night for them, but they must acknowledge our success.”

In a touching moment, Hamdi dedicated the win to his mother, revealing the personal significance of the occasion.

“This win is also for my mother. I love her so much. She means everything to me. Today is a big day for her too.”

Looking ahead, Hamdi’s contract with Young Africans is set to expire after the Federation Cup final against Singida Black Stars on June 29. Talks over a possible extension are expected in the coming days.

When asked about his future, Hamdi responded with humility:

“The future isn't in my hands; it’s up to the club. I'm here, and we’ll see what happens. But today, I'm just very happy - for the players, the fans, and everyone who loves Yanga. I wanted to win something with them, and we did it.”

Young Africans finished the season with 82 points, four ahead of runners-up Simba, who ended on 78.