The club has projected total expenditures of Sh33.6 billion this season, compared to expected revenues of Sh20.7 billion
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Mainland champions Young Africans (Yanga SC) enter the 2025/2026 campaign with soaring ambitions — but also a daunting financial challenge.
The Jangwani giants are grappling with a Sh12.9 billion deficit in their seasonal budget, a 32 percent increase from last year, as they aim to defend their domestic crowns and chase glory in the CAF Champions League.
Speaking during the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Super Dome, Yanga Vice President Arafat Haji revealed that the club projects total expenditure of Sh33.6 billion this season, against an expected income of Sh20.7 billion. The shortfall, he warned, must be addressed if Yanga are to remain competitive both locally and internationally.
According to Haji, the club anticipates revenues of Sh11.4 billion from sponsorships and broadcasting rights, Sh1.97 billion from match day ticket sales, Sh1.45 billion from membership contributions, Sh4.3 billion in prize money, and Sh1.54 billion from other sources. But these figures fall well short of the rising costs of running an elite African football club.
“We have put forward a budget that reflects the level at which Yanga now operate. Competing locally is no longer enough. Our fans, our partners, and our country expect us to shine on the continental stage.
To achieve that, we must bridge this Sh12.9 billion gap,” Haji stressed. A breakdown of expenditure highlights the scale of investment required.
Player salaries and bonuses account for the largest share at Sh9.63 billion, while Sh7.48 billion is set aside for player registration and transfer fees. With a busy season ahead, Yanga have reinforced their squad to maintain dominance in the Mainland Premier League, the CRDB Federation Cup, and the CAF Champions League.
Logistics remain another major expense, with training camps, travel, accommodation, and meals projected to cost Sh6.14 billion. A further Sh4.3 billion has been allocated to motivate the technical bench, while Sh1.26 billion will cover legal contributions.
Looking to the future, Yanga have earmarked Sh1.5 billion for the initial stages of their long-awaited stadium construction project — a key part of the leadership’s vision to secure independence and long-term stability.
Haji issued a rallying call to supporters, corporate partners, and government stakeholders to step forward and help close the deficit.
“Yanga are not just a football club; they are a symbol of Tanzanian pride. If we want to see our flag fly high in African football, this is the time to act. I urge members, partners, and institutions to contribute so that together we can lighten this burden,” he appealed.
As the season approaches, Yanga stand at a critical crossroads. The ambition is clear, the structure is in place, and the fan base is among the most passionate on the continent. But without securing the missing Sh12 billion, their dream of writing another historic chapter in Tanzanian and African football may be at risk.
