‘I know Kaizer Chiefs wanted me’ – Stephane Aziz Ki
Young Africans talisman Stephane Aziz Ki has revealed what swayed him to join the Tanzania giants despite interest from Kaizer Chiefs.
Aziz Ki was offered to Amakhosi before his move to Yanga from Asec Mimosas in 2022. However, it was the Jangwani giants that landed his services.
The Burkina Faso international thrived under coach Miguel Gamondi’s leadership after struggling to secure regular playing time during Nasreddine Nabi’s last year at Yanga.
Aziz Ki’s resurgence saw him win the top goal scorer award with 21 goals, picking the Most Valuable Player of the Season and Midfielder of the Season accolades. He has since disclosed the key factor that made his decision to join Yanga a simple one.
Most recently, he walked away with the Man of the Match award after his impressive display against Amakhosi in the first edition of the Toyota Cup in the Free State province. He scored as Yanga hammered the Soweto giants 4-0.
WHY AZIZ KI OPTED FOR YOUNG AFRICANS
The 28-year-old disclosed that a trip Yanga president Engineer Hersi Ally Said made to Morocco and Abidjan was the deciding factor.
“I know they [Kaizer Chiefs] wanted me, but once someone shows you respect [you also respond],” he told FARPost.
“The president of Yanga came to see me in Berkane. I was playing against RSB Berkane in Morocco. And afterwards, they came to my family to speak with me in front of my family. For me, it’s too much. You want me, and you just call and say, ‘Aziz, I have this offer for you’.
“They came from Dar es Salaam to my family. For me, it’s too much. You can’t find 10 people like that. I appreciate too much. I was happy with this project, and the way it came, I was ready to come.”
Besides the two visits, Aziz Ki says there was clarity of vision regarding the project. At the time, Yanga was transitioning after ending a four-year trophy drought. Eng. Said was just about to take over as the first president of the club. The intention was always to be competitive on the continent.
In the Burkinabe’s first season, Timu ya Wananchi reached the final of the CAF Confederation Cup. In his second season, they were reached the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League.
“Yanga showed me the project. Until now I trust the project, I trust the president. I can say he’s like my father. I can also see the project and the good work. It’s not the moment for me to leave.”
Despite interest from Morocco, South Africa and the Gulf region, Aziz Ki penned a new year deal with Yanga.
He believes the team will push and do better in the CAF Champions League this season.
Yanga has signed Jean Baleke and Clatous Chama, both former Simba SC forwards. They also brought in Prince Dube from Azam FC, among other high-profile signings.
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