Dar es Salaam. Jean Baleke, the Congolese striker signed by Yanga SC on loan from TP Mazembe in July of this year, finds his future hanging in the balance as uncertainty grows about his position within the Tanzanian champions’ squad.
Once seen as a promising addition to Yanga’s attacking lineup, Baleke now faces an uphill battle to secure his place, with speculation mounting that the club is ready to part ways with him in the current transfer window.
Baleke’s struggles began under former head coach Miguel Gamondi, who reportedly didn’t include the forward in his long-term plans despite Baleke managing to score one goal during his tenure.
The arrival of Sead Ramović as the new head coach appears to have done little to change Baleke’s fortunes, with the striker still overlooked in favor of other attacking options.
Currently, Baleke finds himself behind the likes of Clement Mzize, Kennedy Musonda, and Prince Dube in Yanga’s pecking order.
These forwards have consistently delivered for the team, leaving Baleke as a surplus to requirements.
To make matters worse, the striker has been conspicuously absent from recent training sessions, fueling rumors of his potential exit.
Insiders at Yanga suggest that the club is seriously considering terminating Baleke’s loan deal before its scheduled end.
This comes as Yanga looks to strengthen their squad with new signings, aiming to maintain their dominance in domestic competitions and their growing presence on the continental stage.
Baleke’s disappearance from the squad has not gone unnoticed by fans, who are now asking, “Where is Baleke?” The once-hopeful striker seems to be battling not just for game time but for his very career at Yanga.
The big question remains, will the club cut ties with him, or can he stage a remarkable comeback to reclaim his spot in the starting XI?
As the December transfer window heats up, Baleke’s future will likely be one of the most closely watched sagas.
For now, the striker remains in limbo, and his next move could determine whether his story at Yanga ends in disappointment or redemption.
