Dar es Salaam. When Pacôme Zouzoua walked onto the National Sports Complex pitch in Mauritius last Friday, few Tanzanian fans could have imagined how symbolic that moment would become not just for the player himself, but for Yanga SC and the entire Tanzanian Premier League.
The Ivorian playmaker, a name now synonymous with flair and creativity in Yanga’s midfield, started and completed 90 commanding minutes in Ivory Coast’s 7–0 thrashing of Seychelles in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
It was his first full competitive appearance for the Elephants, and one that arrived with a statement.
Despite the presence of global stars such as Amad Diallo of Manchester United, Nicolas Pépé of Villarreal and Simon Adingra of Sunderland, it was Zouzoua who earned the trust of coach Emerse Faé to start in the attacking midfield role.
That trust was repaid in full with energy, precision and tactical discipline attributes that have become his hallmark since arriving in Tanzania in 2023.
For Yanga, this international spotlight represents both pride and pressure.
Pride, because one of their own is now being recognised on the continental stage, pressure, because his rise inevitably attracts attention from scouts and European clubs who are now closely monitoring his progress.
Zouzoua’s performances have not gone unnoticed, and as his market value grows, Yanga could soon face the familiar situation they experienced with Stéphane Aziz Ki, who joined Wydad Casablanca in a record deal at the end of the 2024–25 season.
Zouzoua, who extended his contract in July 2025 to stay with the Tanzanian champions until 2027, now stands as one of the most valuable foreign players in East African football.
Should any club wish to sign him, the buying team would have to pay a considerable fee to buy out his contract a scenario that could deliver a major financial windfall to Yanga SC.
Pacome’s Level
Former Yanga coach Nasreddine Nabi, who guided the club to the CAF Confederation Cup final in 2023, wasn’t surprised by Zouzoua’s full international debut.
“To play 90 minutes for Ivory Coast, in a team full of players from the Premier League and La Liga, is no small achievement. That shows how much his game has matured.”
The Tunisian tactician, who has since managed AS FAR Rabat and Kaizer Chiefs, believes that the Ivorian’s consistency and professionalism are key to his success.
“He’s only in his second national team call-up, yet the coach trusted him to start. That’s a huge sign of belief. Yanga should prepare for incoming offers because his progress is attracting serious attention,” Nabi noted.
According to Nabi, Zouzoua’s evolution is also raising the standard of the Tanzanian Premier League.
“When players like Pacôme perform internationally, it enhances the league’s reputation. Yanga are fortunate to have him, and Tanzanian football in general benefits from having a player of such calibre.”
The most wached
In Ivory Coast, Zouzoua’s former mentor Julie Chevalier who coached him during his time at ASEC Mimosas described his rise as a product of hard work and relentless ambition.
“Pacôme is the most closely followed Ivorian player still playing in Africa,” Chevalier said.
“The 90 minutes he played were a clear reflection of his fitness, discipline and understanding of the game. Many fans in Ivory Coast were delighted to see him finally get his chance.”
Chevalier added that Zouzoua’s style of play a blend of European composure and African intensity makes him an invaluable asset for both club and country.
“He can make a difference at any level. He’s intelligent, patient on the ball, and never afraid to take responsibility. If he maintains this form, it’s only a matter of time before a European team makes an approach.”
Tactical influence
Although he didn’t register a goal or assist against Seychelles, Zouzoua was involved in the build-up to Ivory Coast’s opening goal.
His well-timed through-pass to Evann Guessand drew a foul in the box, earning a penalty that Ibrahim Sangaré converted in the sixth minute.
It was a small moment, but it highlighted what makes Zouzoua special his ability to read the game two or three moves ahead.
For Yanga, that same intelligence has been instrumental in shaping Miguel Gamondi’s fluid attacking system.
Whether deployed centrally as a No.10 or drifting wide to create overloads, Zouzoua consistently dictates the rhythm of play.
