YOUNG Africans SC (Yanga) is facing a demanding phase of the club’s pre-season as head coach Romain Folz focuses on implementing key tactical principles for the upcoming season.

According to the club's Media and Communication Manager, Ally Kamwe, this week is proving to be one of the most challenging yet.

The team, under the joint guidance of Folz and fitness coach Tshephang Mokaila, is following a rigorous training schedule.

They are holding two sessions a day- a morning session at the beach for physical conditioning and an evening session dedicated to tactical drills.

Kamwe (pictured) emphasized that the Jangwani Street-based outfit's recent 3-1 victory against Rwanda's Rayon Sports in Kigali was not a true reflection of their full potential.

He explained that at the time, the team had not yet begun their tactical training, and their performance was therefore not at its peak.

Looking ahead, Yanga has a packed schedule. The club is set to face arch-rivals Simba SC in the Community Shield at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on September 16.

The club is also preparing for the CAF Champions League preliminary second-round matches against Angolan side Williete FC.

Kamwe also revealed that the club's transfer business is not yet complete, with more signings expected as they strengthen the squad for their domestic and continental campaigns.

The official said: "This is the most difficult phase of our pre-season. The players are facing intense physical training in the mornings, followed by demanding tactical sessions in the evenings. This is crucial for them to fully grasp the coach's principles and style of play."

"We have a new squad with new players in different positions this season. It's essential that our new head coach implements his tactical ideas quickly, before the season kicks off," Kamwe noted.

"We need to be fully prepared and everything needs to be in place for our first match against Simba SC in the Community Shield," the official stressed.

Kamwe noted that the club will soon announce the date for this season's 'Wiki ya Mwananchi', which is scheduled to take place after the upcoming international break.

During the 2024/25 Mainland Premier League season, Yanga was a force to be reckoned with. They finished as champions, accumulating a total of 80 points from 30 matches.

Their impressive record included 26 wins, two draws, and two losses so far, demonstrating their dominance in the league.

This season, Yanga will be aiming for a historic fifth consecutive Premier League title and Federation Cup trophy. 
 However, with significant changes to their squad and technical staff, they face fierce competition.

Their primary rivals, Simba SC and Azam FC, have both strengthened their teams. Azam FC has brought in experienced coach Florent Ibengé.
 

Additionally, former Yanga coach Miguel Gamondi, who is familiar with the team and the league, now leads Singida Black Stars, adding another layer of tactical challenge to the league. These changes suggest a much tougher title race for Yanga this year.