Yanga take on Rayon Sport in first test for Folz and players

Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) will face Rayon Sport of Rwanda tomorrow, August 15, 2025, in a special international friendly at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm East Africa Time, marking the team’s first outing under new head coach Romain Folz.

Folz, a French tactician who replaced Miloud Hamdi, inherits a strong squad but faces the challenge of molding the team for both domestic and continental success. He is supported by an experienced technical team, including Spanish assistant coach Manu Rodriguez, Tunisian goalkeeping coach Majdi Mnasria, and technical director Matthews Paul. Fitness coach Tshephang Mokaila from Botswana, analysis coach Thulani Thekiso, and physiotherapist Yousef Ammar complete the backroom staff.

The match is crucial not only for Folz to test his tactical approach but also to integrate Yanga’s new signings into the squad. The new players are Frank Asinki, Celestine Ecua, Abubakar “Ninju” Nizar, Abdulnassir “Casemiro” Mohammed, Andy Boyeli, Balla Conte, Offen Chikola, Lassine Kouma, Mohamed Doumbia, and Edmund John. All have arrived in Kigali and are expected to feature as Folz assesses their readiness for both domestic and continental challenges.

Yanga’s new coach steps into a high-pressure environment. Last season, the club achieved remarkable success, winning the Mainland Tanzania Premier League, the CRDB Federation Cup, the Community Shield, the Muungano Cup, and the Toyota Cup. Folz now faces the task of maintaining and surpassing that standard while ensuring the new players adapt quickly to his system.

Analysts note that blending local and foreign talent will be key. Defenders Asinki and Ecua bring stability at the back, while midfielders like “Casemiro” Mohammed are expected to strengthen control in the middle of the park. Upfront, Doumbia, Kouma, and John offer fresh attacking options to complement the established squad.

For Folz, the friendly is an opportunity to see how his tactical plans translate on the pitch. Rayon Sport, one of Rwanda’s top sides, will provide a stern challenge, testing Yanga’s cohesion, discipline, and adaptability. The match also allows experimentation with formations, substitutions, and team dynamics in a competitive yet friendly setting.

Fans and pundits will watch closely, not just for the result, but to gauge Yanga’s progress under Folz. This friendly sets the tone for the upcoming season and offers an early glimpse of how effectively the new signings can integrate and contribute to the club’s ambitions.

As Yanga embark on this international test, all eyes will be on Folz’s strategic decisions and how quickly his players can gel to continue the club’s tradition of success.