Exclusive: Young Africans set timeline to hire new coach to replace Romain Folz

Tanzania Premier League giants Young Africans have started the process of hiring the services of a new head coach to replace Romain Folz, who was fired after the team lost their CAF Champions League fixture against Silver Strikers of Malawi.

Playing at Bingu National Stadium, the Citizens suffered a 1-0 defeat to puncture their hopes of qualifying for the group stages of the lucrative competition. Immediately after the game, Yanga confirmed through a statement that they had parted ways with Folz.

Folz had only overseen two Mainland Premier League matches, winning one, and drawing one. Yanga Media Officer Ally Kamwe has confirmed the new coach will be in place in the next three days and further confirmed Malawian Peter Mabedi will take charge of the must-win return leg against Strikers at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday.

Mabedi to take charge for Silver Strikers return leg

“Many of you have been asking me about the new coach, let me just tell you that the Yanga leadership is in a good process of finding a new coach and within the next three days this process will be completed,” Kamwe responded to a statement from Pan-Africa Football.

He added: “For that reason, our game on Saturday against Silver Strikers will be led by caretaker coach Patrick (Mabedi), and we have absolutely no doubt about him as we believe in his ability and his CV.”

Kamwe further confirmed the availability of winger Clement Mzize for the Strikers game. He said: “Regarding Clement (Mzize), we have already announced that he is fit and if the coach is pleased with his fitness, then he will be part of our squad for Saturday’s game.”

Kamwe continued: “I have been reading everything, especially what the fans have been writing on social media since we lost in Malawi and I want to assure you, and all the fans, we have heard it all, our players have heard it all and are working on rectifying the mistakes, in readiness for the return leg.”

Yanga will battle Strikers at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium seeking for a third straight passage to the group stages.