YOUNG Africans SC (Yanga) fans are breathing a sigh of relief and optimism as signs of revival begin to shine under their new Portuguese head coach, Pedro Goncalves, who has started to implement swift and visible changes within the squad.

In just a few weeks since taking charge, Goncalves (pictured) has guided the reigning Tanzanian champions to impressive performances in the Premier League, earning praise from both fans and players for his tactical approach, discipline, and attacking philosophy. 

Gonçalves expressed satisfaction with how quickly his players have adapted to his system. “I am proud of the team’s attitude and the way they are responding to our playing philosophy. We want to control games, build confidence through possession, and play with purpose. The players are working hard to understand these principles, and you can already see improvement,” said the Portuguese tactician.

He emphasized that his primary focus is to restore Young Africans’ dominance on the pitch while preparing them for the upcoming CAF Champions League group stage campaign. Young Africans’ assistant captain Dickson Job echoed the coach’s sentiments, noting that the squad has quickly embraced Goncalves’ methods.

“We have received him warmly, and you can see the results already. We’ve won two matches in a row, and the second game against KMC showed clear changes. The coach believes in passing football, structure, and confidence qualities that are giving us more control and creativity,” said Job.

Midfielder Pacome Zouzoua also highlighted the unity and selflessness growing within the team, revealing the motivation behind his gesture of allowing teammate Andy Boyeli to take a penalty during the KMC match.

“I gave Boyeli the penalty to help him regain his confidence. It wasn’t because I had already scored, but because I understand how important it is for a striker to find the back of the net. Now that he’s scoring again, it gives us all energy and belief,” Pacome explained.

Young Africans’ 4-1 victory over KMC, with goals from Maxi Nzengeli, Pacome, and Boyeli (who scored twice, including one penalty), was a statement of intent. KMC’s only goal came from Darueshi Saliboko, but it did little to dent the confidence of the “Wananchi.”

The result marked Goncalves’ second consecutive league win since replacing Romain Folz on October 25, 2025. Under his leadership, Young Africans have won 2-0 against Mtibwa Sugar and 4-1 against KMC, scoring six goals and conceding only one.

The victory took Young Africans to the top of the Mainland Premier League table with 10 points from four games, maintaining their status as early title contenders. However, all eyes are now on the club’s next major challenge - their opening CAF Champions League group stage clash against AS FAR Rabat of Morocco, scheduled for November 22, 2025, at the  New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

The encounter will mark Goncalves’ first international test in charge of Young Africans, a match that could set the tone for the club’s continental ambitions this season.

Off the pitch, the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has issued a stern warning to Young Africans for failing to comply with match scheduling protocols during their fixture against Mtibwa Sugar on October 28, 2025.

According to the TPLB report, the club violated Article 17:15 (2) of the league regulations by delaying the submission of player licenses to match officials.  The TPLB described the incident as a procedural error and issued a formal warning to the club, reminding all teams of the importance of adhering to set timelines to ensure matches start on schedule.

Despite the administrative caution, Young Africans’ went on to record a convincing 2-0 victory over Mtibwa Sugar in that very match, reaffirming their dominance and consistency in domestic competition.

Supporters have lauded the team’s discipline, confidence, and morale under Goncalves, expressing renewed faith that the coach’s vision will guide the club to success both in the Premier League and on the African stage.

With the Premier League on a brief pause for international fixtures, Goncalves and his squad are using the time to refine their tactics and build chemistry ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign.

For the “Wananchi,” the signs are promising. A new philosophy, a united squad, and a coach with clear intent  all ingredients that could help Young Africans reclaim continental glory and continue their dominance at home.