Dar es Salaam. Following Stephane Aziz Ki’s move to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, Young Africans SC (Yanga) now face the pressing question: who will fill the massive void he leaves behind?
Aziz Ki, Yanga’s iconic number 10, has been the engine of the team’s midfield for three consecutive seasons—dictating tempo, unlocking defenses, and delivering in big moments.
His departure marks the end of an era and signals the beginning of a critical rebuilding phase for the Tanzanian giants as they prepare for the upcoming CAF Champions League campaign.
No direct replacement—A puzzle to solve
Rather than rushing to crown a successor, Yanga are exploring multiple options to share the creative load.
Among those being closely monitored are Josephat Arthur Bada of Singida Black Stars, former Yanga star Feisal Salum ‘Fei Toto’—now at Azam FC, and even in-house talents like Pacome Zouzoua and Clatous Chama.
“Replacing Aziz Ki is not a one-man task. We need tactical flexibility and a blend of experience and youth,” a senior Yanga official told the BizLens in condition of anonymity.
Pacome & Chama—ready or not?
Pacome Zouzoua has been one of Yanga’s standout performers this season with 8 goals and 9 assists, albeit mainly from the wing.
However, his previous stint at ASEC Mimosas as a number 10 makes him a viable internal solution.
Clatous Chama, once Simba SC’s midfield wizard, is another name in the mix.
Yet, his inconsistency and limited game time under the current coaching setup leave his role uncertain.
Return of the prodigal?
Feisal Salum, known for his vision and ball control, has reportedly caught the attention of Yanga’s management again.
A return for the midfielder could offer a seamless transition, given his familiarity with the club’s culture and system.
Squad shuffle underway
Yanga are also looking to trim and fine-tune its squad.
Salum Abubakar ‘Sure Boy’ and Farid Mussa are expected to go on loan to Singida Black Stars after struggling to break into the starting lineup.
Their departures could open space for fresh talent in midfield.
Big names on the radar
Beyond the number 10 role, Yanga are also eyeing high-profile reinforcements, including Ghanaian striker Jonathan Sowah and Congolese defender Henock Inonga, as they await the arrival of a new head coach to finalize plans.
The final word
Aziz Ki’s shoes won’t be easy to fill. But with a combination of smart signings, tactical adjustments, and bold decisions, Yanga hope not just to replace a player—but to evolve as a team.
