Yanga fans to travel 72 hours by bus as they leave for Mamelodi Sundowns match

Dar es Salaam. About 48 members and fans of Young Africans (Yanga) SC will spend approximately three days (72 hours) traveling to South Africa after departing today, April 1, 2024, for the South African country to attend the return leg of the CAF Champions League against Mamelodi Sundowns.

They departed shortly after a special farewell ceremony held for them at the club’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam.

The farewell was attended by Yanga's top officials, led by club president Hersi Saidi, and the guest of honor, Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Hamis “Mwana FA” Mwinjuma.

Speaking at the event, Hersi commended the government for accepting their request to transport 48 fans to support their team in the quarter-final return leg against Mamelodi Sundowns this Friday in Pretoria.

"We are aware that our club has another match in South Africa, so the management has made efforts to submit a request to the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports under our Minister, Damas Ndumbaro, to transport fans by bus, and we thank the ministry for accepting our request," said Hersi.

He mentioned that the ministry will cover all expenses of their trip to South Africa, including transport, accommodation, and others.

Previously, each member and fan was required to pay about Sh600,000 as fare to South Africa to attend the match, and 30 people had already paid.

“Following the government's support, all the money will be refunded, and I wish you a good journey. I will be part of the people to witness the team (Yanga) sail through to the semifinals of the competition,” he said.

Deputy Minister Mwinjuma said the government has decided to do this as part of its contribution to ensuring that the team performs well in South Africa.

"The government has agreed to fully fund this trip, which will enable Yanga members and fans to attend the match and cheer the team while in South Africa,” said Mwinjuma.