As Young Africans (Yanga) gear up for the second leg of their preliminary round tie in the 2024/2025 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League against Burundi’s Vital’O FC, confidence is high within the squad.
Yanga’s 4-0 victory in the first leg has not only given them a significant advantage but has also fueled their ambitions to surpass last season’s quarter-final finish and solidify their reputation among Africa’s elite football clubs.
With the second leg set to take place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday, Yanga’s head coach, Miguel Ángel Gamondi, shared insights into the team’s preparations, strategies, and aspirations in an exclusive interview.
Gamondi’s comments reflected a blend of confidence, caution, and a desire to build on last season’s impressive run.
“We are very good; the morale is up,” Gamondi said, summarizing the mood in the Yanga camp. The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, despite the significant lead.
“Even though we’ve taken a big step towards qualifying for the next stage, we must stay focused at home. There is only one way to play, and that is to try to win the game.”
Gamondi is well aware that Vital’O, despite the heavy first-leg defeat, will be looking to redeem themselves and play for pride. “When you lose in this way, you want revenge. I think they will come out stronger, trying to show a better image for their club and country,” he observed.
This mindset has kept Yanga’s coach on his toes, reminding his players that complacency can be dangerous, even with a comfortable aggregate score.
Reflecting on the first leg, Gamondi noted that while the strategies employed were successful, there is always room for improvement.
“We always need to improve and do something new. We’ve studied this team much better now. We know their strengths and weaknesses, and we will try to exploit those,” he explained.
Yanga’s technical bench has been preparing for Vital’O’s expected adjustments, anticipating a more aggressive approach from the Burundian side.
The game’s venue, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, is expected to be packed with Yanga’s loyal supporters, known as Wananchi, who have been a driving force behind the team’s success.
Gamondi believes that home support will play a crucial role in securing victory. “It’s very motivating to play with a full house,” he said.
“Even when the team isn’t performing well or if we concede a goal, the fans are always behind us. There’s no negative pressure from them.”
This unwavering support, according to Gamondi, not only lifts the players’ spirits but also adds pressure on the opponents, making the stadium a fortress for Yanga.
Fitness and squad depth have also been key talking points ahead of the match. While there are minor injuries within the squad, Gamondi is confident in the depth of talent available.
“We have a strong and large squad that can replace them. Our will to succeed in Africa is strong,” he reassured. This depth allows Yanga to rotate players without compromising on quality, ensuring that the team remains competitive on all fronts.
Yanga’s impressive journey to the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League last season is still fresh in the minds of both players and fans. Gamondi believes that experience has strengthened the team’s resolve and belief.
“We learned a lot from facing teams like Al Ahly, CR Belouizdad, and Mamelodi Sundowns. We realized that we are on the same level as the top teams and can compete,” he remarked. These encounters have given Yanga the confidence that they can go toe-to-toe with the best teams on the continent.
Looking ahead, Yanga’s ambitions extend beyond merely reaching the group stages of the competition. Gamondi has set his sights on a deeper run.
“The first step is to qualify for the group stage, but we are hungry for more. It’s our will, our wish, and our philosophy to try to win and go as far as possible,” he said.
This statement is a clear signal of the club’s intent to establish itself among Africa’s top football powerhouses.
Gamondi concluded with a heartfelt message to Yanga’s supporters: “Believe in us and continue to support us like never before. Thank you.” With the backing of their passionate fans, Yanga is ready to take on the challenges ahead, driven by the desire to achieve continental glory.
As they prepare to face Vital’O with a strong lead, Young Africans have made their intentions clear: they are not just participating in the CAF Champions League; they are here to make a statement.
With a blend of experience, tactical acumen, and passionate support, Yanga looks set to make a significant impact in the 2024/2025 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, bringing hope and excitement to their fans and football lovers across Tanzania.
Source: CAF Online
