Tanzania giants Young Africans, have ushered in a new era with the signing of the first South African to ply their trade in the East African country.
The signing of the PSL star is a significant moment for Tanzanian football and a sign of the growing stature of Tanzanian football on the continent.
Yanga president Hersi Ally Said has previously said they are eyeing a South African footballer.
“The main target is the football part. We need a player who can give us results on the pitch,” Said told FARPost.
CREATE GOOD PR FOR THE CLUB
“Secondly, it’s also fan engagement – to create good PR for the club abroad.”
Timu ya Wananchi has players from DR Congo, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Hersi says their support base in those countries has improved.
“The same applies if we sign a South African footballer. We will have a number of supporters from South Africa to support one of their own.
“So, yes, number one is football reasons and number two is fan engagement and creating a relationship between the club and supporters outside the country.”
Yanga missed out on their initial target Ranga Chivaviro, whom Kaizer Chiefs snapped up.
YOUNG AFRICANS COMPLETE SIGNING OF MAKUDUBELA
But they have signed his former Marumo Gallants teammate Mahlatsi Makudubela on a short-term deal.
The 33-year-old impressed when Gallants squared up with Yanga in the semi-final of the CAF Confederation Cup.
He is currently a free agent after Marumo released him and is already in Tanzania. ‘Skudu’ is set to feature against Kaizer Chiefs in the international friendly match over the weekend in Dar es Salaam.
The two giants lock horns at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
Makudubela is a versatile winger who can play on either side of the attack. He is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and crossing ability.
He scored two goals and provided one assist in 22 outings last season as Marumo Gallants were relegated.
The veteran attacker has previously played for Orlando Pirates, Platinum Stars, Highlands Park and Chippa United. He also had a stint in the Mamelodi Sundowns reserves as his career took off.
He becomes the first South African footballer to ply their trade in Tanzania. Young Africans SC are looking to strengthen their attack ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Their target man Fiston Mayele looks set to leave the Jangwani giants. The CAF Confederation Cup semi-finalists will play in the CAF Champions League.
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