Mabedi urges Young Africans to make use of every opportunity against Mtibwa Sugar

After successfully securing their place in the group stages of the CAF Champions League, Tanzania Premier League champions Young Africans will shift focus to the domestic action when they face Mtibwa Sugar in a league fixture at KMC Complex on Tuesday.

The Citizens sailed into the group stages of the lucrative CAF competition following their 2-1 aggregate win against Silver Strikers of Malawi. After losing the first leg 1-0 away, Yanga recovered to win the home fixture 2-0.

Yanga will now return to league action seeking maximum points against the Sugar Millers. Speaking ahead of the game, Yanga stand-in coach Patrick Mabedi revealed their readiness to tackle Mtibwa and further called on his players to make every opportunity they create to count.

Yanga must be very careful against Mtibwa Sugar

“Every game has its own difficulties, in the league there must be competition and we respect every opponent. We need to be very careful in the game against Mtibwa,” Mabedi told Pan-Africa Football.

“What we are working on in training right now is to ensure the players make the most of every opportunity they get. I am happy with the way our players played against Silver Strikers. As a coach I need to see our team playing well, I think as time goes on we will be more technically strong.”

Discussing the level of Zimbabwe forward Prince Dube, who has come under fire for his goal drought in recent matches, Mabedi added: “Dube has done a lot of good things. I know he has a big burden on his shoulders. With the ability he has, he will be fine.

“There is pressure behind him but that is normal for big players anywhere. If you don’t score, there must be a lot of questions. It is a matter of time before Dube returns to his best, I have no worries.”

Yanga aim is to move top of the table

Asked to deliver a message to the fans, the Malawian coach said: “The last game saw a huge turnout of fans. I would like to congratulate the fans, who took the time to come and join us. We hope to see them there in large numbers to give our players some motivation.”

Speaking on behalf of the players, Offen Chikola said: “We have come from an international competition. It is a tough game we are going to face. There is no other way than to fight to get three points. We are not at the top of the standings so we must make sure that we get back up.

“The last game the fans showed up in large numbers. We cannot be complete without them. We really need the support of the fans. In fact, we as players know that we have a responsibility to give happiness to the people. We have organised ourselves well and are ready to fight for the club.”

Yanga are currently lying 13th in the 16-team league table with four points garnered from one win, and one draw.

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