Dar es Salaam. The Yanga SC’s management is reportedly already planning for the future, with rumors swirling that attacking midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki may leave the club at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Aziz Ki, who has been an integral part of the team’s success over the past three years, is said to be considering a move away after a highly successful stint at the club.
According to sources, despite receiving several lucrative offers earlier in the season, Aziz Ki chose to sign a new contract with Yanga, with the stipulation that he could leave should a better opportunity arise.
The Burkinabe player’s desire to move on while Yanga is still performing well is understandable, given that the team enjoyed a strong campaign in the 2023/24 season, both domestically and internationally.
Aziz Ki had an outstanding year, scoring 21 goals and providing 8 assists in the league.
His performances helped Yanga secure the Tanzanian Premier League title and the FA Cup, as well as reaching the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League.
His remarkable contributions have made him a fan favorite, and his departure would be a significant loss to the club.
The 28-year-old signed a two-year contract extension at the beginning of the season, which will run until the end of the upcoming campaign.
Despite interest from top clubs like South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Egypt’s Al Ahly, and Morocco’s ASFAR, Aziz Ki decided to remain at Yanga.
However, reports suggest that the Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca is now leading the race for his signature, with an eye-watering offer of Sh2.5 billion.
“The search for his successor has already begun,” a source close to the club revealed.
“There are so many big offers for him, and it’s difficult to keep him now. I can assure you that Aziz is highly likely to leave at the end of the season,” the source said.
Adding: “However, it will be a profitable transfer for Yanga, as the player is determined to leave on good terms. This is why he agreed to extend his contract earlier in the season.”
Aziz Ki has enjoyed his time here and feels at home with the club and its supporters.
Alongside Wydad Casablanca, reports indicate that clubs from Saudi Arabia are also showing interest in Aziz, and a deal could be concluded at the end of the season to ensure both the player and Yanga benefit financially from the transfer.
In an interview with South African media, Aziz Ki’s representative, Zambro Traore, confirmed the ongoing discussions with Wydad Athletic Club.
However, he stated that no formal offer had been received yet.
Traore also mentioned that Aziz Ki had been following the Moroccan league and was open to a move to Morocco.
“I had an offer from Al-Masry Club earlier, but Yanga rejected it,” he added.
In addition to Aziz KI, Wydad Casablanca is also reportedly interested in acquiring Yanga’s striker, Clement Mzize.
Yanga’s management, which had initially been firm on keeping their key players, now appears ready to entertain offers for Mzize as well.
A Belgian club is said to be the frontrunner, offering a significant transfer fee.
Both Aziz Ki and Mzize have played crucial roles in Yanga’s success in recent seasons, helping the club win the Tanzanian Premier League and the Federation Cup for three consecutive years, after dethroning their rivals Simba.
