Former Yanga SC talisman Stephane Aziz Ki has shared an emotional tribute to the Tanzanian giants as he joins Wydad Athletic Club.
Amidst the fanfare of Aziz Ki’s high-profile move, it was his profoundly personal and heartwarming Instagram message to Young Africans that resonated deepest: “And Yanga even gave me a beautiful wife.”
The Burkina Faso international’s departure marks the end of a beautiful journey with the Jangwani giants, where his prolific goal-scoring and creativity in the final third became synonymous with the club’s recent dominance.
Arriving in 2022 from ASEC Mimosas, ‘Master Key’ quickly established himself as both a cult hero among fans and a talisman for his teammates.
The 29-year-old has been nothing short of a revelation. He was pivotal in securing multiple domestic titles and leading the Dar es Salaam-based side to a historic CAF Confederation Cup final. His 2023/24 season, in particular, was exceptional, earning him the NBC Premier League’s Most Valuable Player award and the Golden Boot with 21 goals.
While his on-field contributions are undeniable, it was his post-transfer comment that truly set this move apart.
In a touching tribute, Aziz Ki credited Timu Ya Wananchi not just for his professional growth, but also for a profound personal milestone – finding his wife, Hamisa Mobetto. The latter is a prominent Tanzanian fashion entrepreneur and socialite. Their union, which garnered significant public attention and a lavish three-part wedding in February this year, has been a beautiful subplot to Aziz Ki’s Dar chapter.
RULANI MOKWENA WANTED AZIZ KI AT WYDAD
For over a year, speculation has swirled around Aziz Ki’s future. Top clubs across the continent were vying for his signature. In fact, when Rulani Mokwena joined Wydad, he had talks with the hierarchy of Tanzania’s reigning champions about signing the talented attacker. There was a verbal agreement that the player would be released at the end of this season.
As expected, it is the three-time CAF Champions League winners, Wydad, who have ultimately secured his services. Their ambition, coupled with their participation in the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, proved to be a compelling incentive for the highly sought-after midfielder.
Yanga acknowledged his departure with a formal farewell. This was during their recent CRDB Federation Cup semi-final victory, a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the club and its loyal fanbase.
STEPHANE AZIZ KI’S FULL MESSAGE
“Whoever said goodbyes are painful… he sure knew what he was talking about.
“My heart is heavy as I share with you the official news of my departure from the club of my heart, Yanga SC. This is more than just leaving a club. I’m saying goodbye to a home, to a family, and to a chapter that shaped the man and player I am today. Yanga gave me purpose. Yanga gave me a second home. And Yanga even gave me a beautiful wife!
“I arrived with a dream, but I leave with a lifetime of memories. Together, we achieved greatness. From lifting trophies to conquering Africa. Rewriting the club’s history and making every fan proud to wear the green and yellow. We stood tall during the highs. And we stood together during the lows. But through it all, one thing never changed: our spirit.
“DAIMA MBELE NYUMA MWIKO is not just a mere statement. These are the words that carried us, bonded us, and reminded us that we are warriors, built for greatness. I am carrying that spirit with me wherever I go. This mentality of victory, of never giving up, of always moving forward, is now a part of me forever.
“To MR. GSM, our beloved pillar. To my brother Anthony Mavunde, thank you for everything. Also to Engineer Hersi, our President & tireless leader, to my coach, the entire Yanga staff, my brothers on the pitch, the players and most of all, to the incredible fans: Thank you so much. Asanteni sana kwa upendo na mchango wenu.
“You cheered me on. You believed in me, and you made me feel like one of your own. I will never forget the chants, the celebrations. The sea of fans at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and every other stadium that we played at. I carry you all in my heart.
“This is not the end. Just a new beginning. Yanga will forever be a part of me. A part of my story. A part of my soul. Until we meet again… Daima Mbele Nyuma Mwiko.
“Aziz Ki.”
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