YOUNG Africans Sports Club (Yanga) is on the verge of completing the club’s player recruitment for the new season.

The Mainland Premier League champions’ new head coach, Romain Folz is, though, already implementing significant changes to the technical bench as he prepares for his debut campaign with the giants.

The 35-year-old Folz, who was officially unveiled last week, has wasted no time reshaping his support staff.

The French-Mauritanian tactician has already brought in two new faces and has been given the green light to add two more specialists to his technical team, which he believes will help ease his transition and improve the team’s preparationsInitially, the coach had agreed to work with some of the assistants he found at the club upon arrival.

However, such a plan has since changed following the departure of several key members of the previous backroom staff.

Those exiting include Technical Director Abdihalim Moallin, video analyst Mpho Maruping, and physiotherapist Sekhwela Seroto.

All three are reported to be heading to Algeria to join former Yanga head coach Sead Ramovic at CR Belouizdad.

With these exits, two staff members have remained from the previous technical bench, namely Tanzanian goalkeeping coach Soud Slim and Moroccan fitness trainer Taibi Lagrouni.

Folz is now planning to strengthen the backroom department by bringing in trusted personnel who align with his coaching philosophy and standards.

Among those expected to join the new technical bench setup is Tunisian goalkeeping coach Majdi Mnasria, who is highly regarded in North African football circles.

Additionally, a new video analyst will be added to the team to work alongside Paul Mathew, a specialist who has already arrived in Tanzania and is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s tactical preparations.

Yanga is moreover set to welcome back Tunisian physiotherapist Youssef Ammar, who previously worked with the club and is familiar with its environment and expectations.

Ammar’s return is expected to strengthen the medical and rehabilitation department, ensuring the players remain in top shape throughout the season.

All these additions are expected to be finalized before Yanga embarks on their pre-season trip to Rwanda, scheduled for August 13.

The club will be travelling to Kigali at the invitation of Rwandan top-tier side Rayon Sports, with the two teams set to meet in a friendly match on August 15.

The fixture is seen as part of the Mainland Premier League champions’ efforts to sharpen their competitive edge ahead of the 2025/26 Mainland Premier League and CAF Champions League campaigns.

After the friendly in Rwanda, Yanga may extend their pre-season preparations with a training camp in Egypt.

The North African nation offers high-altitude conditions, quality facilities, and a competitive training environment that could benefit the squad as it gears up for a demanding season on both domestic and continental fronts.

Folz, who brings with him experience from stints in South Africa and Ghana, is aiming to build a cohesive and well-structured team with what it takes to compete at the highest level.

His decision to revamp the technical bench reflects a strategic approach focused on building a high-performance culture at the club.

The coach’s swift and decisive actions have been welcomed by a section of Yanga fans eager to see the club maintain dominance in Tanzanian football and make a stronger push in the CAF Champions League.

Last season saw Yanga win the domestic double of the Mainland Premier League and Federation Cup, as well as make it to the CAF Champions League Group Stage. This time around, expectations are even higher.

The club’s leadership has pledged full support to Folz as he embarks on this new journey, with the ultimate goal of not only defending the local tournaments’ titles but also delivering silverware at the continental level.

With new player signings almost complete and a reshaped technical bench in place, all eyes will be on how Yanga performs under the stewardship of the young and ambitious coach.

As the countdown to the new season begins, Yanga appears to be laying a solid foundation, both on and off the pitch, to ensure sustained success in the coming campaign.