Goncalves bemoans lack of preparations for Young Africans clash

Young Africans head coach Pedros Goncalves has confessed his team is not well prepared to face Coastal Union in their Mainland Premier League fixture at KMC Stadium on Sunday.

The Citizens will go into the match following a 2-0 win against Fountain Gate at the same venue. Goals from Prince Dube and Pacôme Zouzoua ensured Yanga collected all three points, lifting them to third in the table with 13 points from five matches.

The result extended Yanga’s strong start to the campaign, with four wins and a draw since the league kicked off this season. However, ahead of their matchday six fixture in Dodoma, the Angolan tactician cut a disappointing figure in terms of preparations.

Coastal Union have conceded goals

“We have arrived in Dodoma safely and I am happy to be in the capital of Tanzania for the first time. Our preparations have not been the best heading to the game tomorrow (Sunday) because of the little time we had since our last game,” Goncalves told Pan-Africa Football.

“We have some players who are fit and there are others who are tired. But in our minds we know what we want and we are here to get the three points.

“Our opponents’ numbers don’t lie, they have conceded few goals in the games they have played and every time we meet them we have a difficult game, even tomorrow (Sunday), we know it won’t be an easy game.

“We have a good squad and we will fight to ensure we leave with three points.”

Speaking on behalf of Young Africans players, Offen Chikola said: “On behalf of my teammates, we are well prepared to face Coastal Union. It is true that our matches are always difficult but we know the importance of the game and we are prepared to leave with victory.”

Out of the opening five matches, Yanga have registered four wins, and drawn one.