Goncalves urges Young Africans to respect Mbeya City

Young Africans coach Pedro Goncalves has warned his team against making mistakes when they return to Mainland Premier League action to take on Mbeya City at KMC Stadium on Thursday.

After successfully progressing into the quarterfinals of the CRDB Federation Cup, the Citizens will be seeking to move eight points clear at the top of the top-flight table if they manage to secure maximum points.

 

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Yanga will also be going for their third straight win in the league after the 3-0 victory against Tanzania Prisons, and 3-0 win against Pamba Jiji.

Mbeya City have good team

“The last game I made several changes to give some players the opportunity to gain physical fitness, it was also a good opportunity to rest some of our stars,” Goncalves told Pan-Africa Football.

“So, I expect tomorrow (Thursday) that the performance of my players will be great and our goals are to get three points as well as provide entertainment for our fans.”

The former Angola coach added: “The last away match against Mbeya City was a very difficult game due to the condition of the field, but we will play in a different environment that we are used to.

“I admit we are stronger and we are in dire need of three points. I know that they also need points but for us it is a different story, I am very confident my team is very good tactically to get maximum points.”

However, Goncalves warned Young Africans against underrating Mbeya City saying they are a good team, who can cause an upset.

“Although we need three points at any cost, we must be cautious. We must respect our opponents,” added Goncalves.

“Mbeya City have a good team with a lot of experience. Concentration is our key for the game. Football is a game of mistakes, if you make one mistake it can cost you the whole game.”

Prince Dube set to return for Yanga

Asked about the injury situation, Goncalves confirmed the return of Zimbabwe striker Prince Dube.

He said: “I have high expectations for the game after the return of Prince Dube, the last game he got 14 minutes after coming out of injury, his arrival will add strength and efficiency in the attacking area.

“Depu has not yet started to return to the field so the return of Dube will bring great hopes to us. We expect to miss Mwanengo too, but it is our job as a technical bench to find an alternative way to fill the gap of injuries.”

Speaking on behalf of players, defender Israel Mwenda said: “On behalf of my teammates, we are well aware of the importance of the game.

“We all know that we are facing a tough opponent, especially considering that in our first game we did not manage to come away with all three points away from home against them.”

So far, Yanga have amassed 44 points from 18 matches. They have secured 13 wins, five draws, and lost none. For Mbeya City, they are placed 13th on the log with 17 points from 18 matches.