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Mudathir contract talks stall amid Yanga pre-season plans
Yanga’s attacking midfielder Mudathir Yahya celebrates after scoring during a recent match. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Mudathir joined Yanga on January 3, 2023, and has since become an important part of the team’s attacking setup.
Dar es Salaam. Mainland Premier League giants Young Africans (Yanga) are currently facing challenges in securing the contract renewal of their key attacking midfielder, Mudathir Yahya, whose current deal has expired. Despite ongoing negotiations, an agreement has yet to be finalized as the club prepares for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
Mudathir joined Yanga on January 3, 2023, and has since become an important part of the team’s attacking setup.
However, his contract expiration has left the club and player engaged in delicate negotiations over terms for a new deal.
A source within Yanga revealed to The Citizen that while discussions are ongoing, the club remains optimistic about retaining Mudathir and other key players.
“It is true that negotiations with Mudathir are not yet concluded, but we are also working on contracts with other players whose agreements have expired. We are confident that we will retain all the players we want for the next season,” said the insider.
The source further reassured fans and club members that Yanga’s priority is to maintain a strong squad capable of defending their titles and competing on all fronts. “We need to keep our core players because our targets for the next season are ambitious. No player that we want to keep will leave the team,” the source added.
In addition to Mudathir, Yanga are also in advanced talks with midfielder Clatous Chama, with the club hopeful of reaching a positive conclusion soon.
As contract matters unfold, the club is also focusing on preparations for the new season. Yanga are expected to participate in a prestigious four-nation pre-season tournament scheduled for July 2025 in Windhoek, Namibia. The tournament will feature four clubs, including hosts African Stars, alongside Angola’s Petro de Luanda and Lesotho’s Lioli FC.
The club source explained that Yanga have received multiple invitations for pre-season camps and tournaments from different countries. “We have several options, and the club is carefully evaluating all the invitations before making a final decision,” the source noted.
“We have our own pre-season plans, but we will consider the invitations carefully to decide the best option for the team’s preparations,” he added.
This pre-season tournament in Namibia represents an important opportunity for Yanga’s new coach—whose appointment is expected to be finalized soon—to assess the squad and implement his tactical philosophy ahead of the new campaign.
Yanga, who have dominated Mainland Tanzanian football in recent years, will be keen to maintain their success domestically and improve their performance on the continental stage.
With key players like Mudathir and Chama in negotiations, the club’s management understands the importance of securing their core squad to build continuity and maintain the winning momentum.
