The will also be the first league matches for Yanga’s coach Romain Folz and Azam FC’s Florent Ibenge, who are taking charge of their teams this season
Dar es Salaam. After securing a crucial away victory in the CAF Club competitions, defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) and Azam FC today kick off their Tanzanian Premier League campaigns with home matches against Pamba Jiji and Mbeya City, respectively.
The will also be the first league matches for Yanga’s coach Romain Folz and Azam FC’s Florent Ibenge, who are taking charge of their teams this season.
Yanga, coming off a 3-0 away win in Angola against Wiliete FC in the CAF Champions League, will host Pamba Jiji at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.
The game marks the beginning of a more than eight-month journey as Yanga seeks to defend their Tanzanian Premier League title for the fifth time. The reigning champions hold an impressive record against Pamba Jiji in league encounters, having won all previous meetings.
This gives them a psychological advantage heading into today’s match. Meanwhile, Pamba Jiji enter the game with one point from a 1-1 draw in their opening fixture against Namungo FC.
A win or draw today will extend Yanga’s unbeaten streak in the Tanzanian Premier League, which currently stands at 20 games—19 wins and a single draw.
The match will be officiated by referee Abdul Wajihi, assisted by Janeth Balama and Omari Juma, with Isihaka Mwalile serving as the fourth official. Coach Folz expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation for the match.
“We always aim to improve our performance. It’s a challenge, but we are ready to meet it. My role is to organize the 11 players on the field and the others on the bench. I need everyone to contribute to achieving our goals,” said Folz.
Pamba Jiji FC coach Francis Baraza acknowledged the challenge of facing Yanga but insisted his team would give their best.
“I give my players the chance to show themselves if opportunities arise, and I have no fear. If the team is solid and avoids mistakes, I know the match will be good,” said Baraza.
Later, at 9pm, Azam FC will host Mbeya City at Azam Complex in a game carrying extra motivation for both sides. Azam will be seeking revenge after Mbeya City eliminated them from last season’s CRDB Cup at their home ground.
Meanwhile, Mbeya City will aim to return the favor following a 2-0 defeat to Azam in the finale of their Mbeya City Day tournament.
