Goncalves admits Young Africans going through difficult period

Young Africans head coach Pedro Goncalves has admitted the Mainland Premier League champions are going through a difficult path as they prepare to face Mtibwa Sugar in a league fixture on Saturday.

The Citizens will go into the final fixture before the FIFA international break with a backdrop of not winning their last two matches. Since defeating Tanzania Prisons 1-0, Yanga have drawn against Azam FC 0-0 and TRA United 0-0.

Safari ya kuwafata Mtibwa Sugar Dodoma imeanza✈️#TimuYaWananchi #DaimaMbeleNyumaMwiko pic.twitter.com/31zNtd461L

— Young Africans SC (@YoungAfricansSC) March 19, 2026

Ahead of their fixture against the Sugar Millers, Goncalves maintained their desire is to head into the international break sitting at the top of the table.

‘We have had very difficult schedule’

“Our preparations for the game have been very challenging. We left Arusha on Thursday after a long journey and when we arrived here, most of the players did recovery exercises, while others did light training on the field,” Goncalves told Pan-Africa Football.

“For the past three to four weeks we have had a very difficult schedule. Saturday’s game will be the seventh in 21 days which is a big challenge.

“We have to consider that some of the players are fasting during Ramadan and with frequent travel, overall, we are going through a very difficult period of the season.”

Young Africans aim to stay at the top

The former Angola coach added: “Our goal is always three points and tomorrow (Saturday) will be no different. It is also important for us to arrive at the international match window (FIFA) on top regardless of the result.

“That period will be important for the rest and recovery of the players, especially those with injuries and those who will join their national teams.”

On whether Young Africans are on course to retain the title, he said: “We have finished the first round of the league at the top of the standings. This does not give us the championship, but it gives us great confidence for the future.

“Now we focus our energy on the game against Mtibwa Sugar. For me personally, this is a special game. It was my first game with this team at home played at KMC.

“At that time, we were not at the top, we were two points behind our opponents. Now we are at the top of the standings as we start the second round and confidence will be very important.”

Young Africans are currently top with 37 points accumulated from 11 wins, four draws, and zero defeats, while Azam, who are lying second have garnered 29 points.