Tanzania’s Yanga explain big Matthews decision

Young Africans president Hersi Ally Said. Picture: Supplied

Young Africans President Hersi Ally Said has explained the big decision they recently took on coach and talent scout Paul Matthews.

While it was initially thought the highly respected scout would assist newly appointed coach, Romain Folz, the club appointed him to a different role.

Matthews was named as the club’s new technical director. This comes after he left his previous position at Siwelele FC to join the reigning Tanzanian champions Young Africans.

A veteran mentor, Matthews spent over a decade with SuperSport United before the club was sold to Siwelele recently. He holds a UEFA B License and is credited with discovering talented players such as Teboho Mokoena, Sipho Mbule, Ime Okon, Andile Jali, Bongani Khumalo, Grant Kekana, Bongani Zungu, and Buhle Mkhwanazi at various clubs he has worked for.

Highly regarded in South African football circles, Matthews has also had stints at AmaTuks, Jomo Cosmos, and Tembisa Classic.

YANGA BOSS EXPLAINS MATTHEWS DECISION

Paul Matthews. Picture by Young Africans SC

“One thing about Yanga in relation to South Africa is the connection between the two and the success that will be part and parcel of both ends,” he told FARPost. “I will tell you, we had Senzo [Mbatha, former CEO], and we were in very good shape.”

Said explained the role they expect Matthews to play at the club. “We also brought in a number of technical staff from South Africa, and within that period, we were doing very well and became the champions of Tanzania. We have also brought in a technical director [Matthews] from South Africa, who will help us build our youth setups and bring a lot of experience in this area,” he explained.

The Yanga boss also added that they were looking to establish their academy under the guidance of Matthews.

“I can tell you. Tanzania has 61 million people, and football is the most popular sport in the country. We should be in a position of having a lot of raw resources and a lot of raw talent in our country.

“Having a person like Paul on our team will also provide us with numerous opportunities to scout top players and create a platform that transforms their raw talent into professional footballers. I’m thrilled to have him on board, and we’re also excited to start building our own academy, which will feature the best players around,” he said.