The barren result in the ongoing Mainland Tanzania Premier League left sections of the fanbase visibly frustrated, with some openly chanting for the Frenchman’s dismissal.
Dar es Salaam . Defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) management has appealed to its fans and members to remain calm and rally behind head coach Romain Folz, following the team’s disappointing goalless draw against Mbeya City on Tuesday at the Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya.
The barren result in the ongoing Mainland Tanzania Premier League left sections of the fanbase visibly frustrated, with some openly chanting for the Frenchman’s dismissal.
Supporters complained that the performance was below par, arguing that Yanga’s trademark attacking style, characterized by attractive passing and entertaining football, has diminished under his leadership.
The stalemate against newly promoted Mbeya City, a side many expected Yanga to defeat, was met with jeers from the stands.
Some disgruntled fans urged the club’s leadership to terminate Folz’s contract and find a new coach, insisting that the team appeared uninspired and lacking creativity.
Since taking charge, Folz has been scrutinized for his tactical approach. Critics argue that his style does not reflect Yanga’s traditional attacking identity, one that has brought the Jangwani Street giants immense success in recent seasons.
“This is not the Yanga we are used to,” one fan lamented. “We want to dominate, to play with flair, and to win convincingly.”
Management: “It’s part of the game”
However, Yanga’s leadership has moved swiftly to cool tensions. Speaking to The Citizen, one club official defended Folz, reminding supporters that football is unpredictable and that difficult matches at Sokoine Stadium are nothing new.
“It is part of the game, and historically, our team has often struggled to get positive results at the Sokoine Stadium, especially against Mbeya City,” the official explained.
“This was not the first time to record such results. We must accept that Mbeya City also came targeting victory against us. What matters is that we remain unbeaten since his arrival. Let’s give him our support.”
A mixed start for Folz
Despite the frustrations, Folz’s record is far from poor. Since his appointment, he has guided Yanga in four competitive matches, producing three victories and one draw.
His tenure began with a morale-boosting 1-0 win over arch-rivals Simba in the Community Shield. That was followed by a comprehensive 3-0 away win against Angola’s Wiliete in the CAF Champions League, a 3-0 triumph over Pamba Jiji in the league opener, and a 2-0 second-leg victory over Wiliete to advance in continental action.
The Mbeya draw was the first time Folz dropped points with Yanga, though he remains unbeaten. Still, many believe the performance gap between local dominance and continental ambition is too wide, and tougher matches ahead will be a true test of his tactical ability.
Future on the line
For now, Yanga’s management insists Folz deserves time to instill his philosophy. But with fan pressure mounting, the next few fixtures could prove decisive for his future. Any further slip-ups may intensify calls for change, while convincing victories could calm the storm.
As the reigning champions eye another successful campaign, one thing is clear: unity between management, players, and supporters will be critical if Yanga are to defend their crown and excel on the continental stage
