Dar es Salaam. Young Africans SC have moved swiftly in the transfer market, offloading two foreign players and recruiting fresh midfield reinforcements as part of a short-term strategy to strengthen their squad ahead of the second half of the season and upcoming continental assignments.
The Tanzania Premier League champions have settled on two midfielders from Singida Black Stars, believing their experience and work rate will provide immediate solutions as the club balances domestic ambitions with international competition.
Yanga are set to sign Marouf Tchakei, alongside defensive midfielder Damaro Camara, both arriving from Singida.
Tchakei has been identified as a quick replacement in the attacking midfield role, operating as a classic number 10. He is a holding midfielder known for his defensive awareness and ball-winning ability.
Initially, Yanga had prioritised the signing of Ugandan playmaker Allan Okello, but the move collapsed after Vipers SC rejected a proposed fee of $120,000 for the player’s release.
Although Okello had already agreed personal terms with Yanga and all player-side arrangements were completed, firm resistance from Vipers’ top hierarchy forced the Tanzanian giants to look elsewhere, particularly with the mid-season transfer window set to close on January 31.
Despite the setback, Yanga and Okello have reached an understanding to revisit the transfer at the end of the season, when the Ugandan international will have completed the remaining six months of his contract with Vipers.
Tchakei brings vast experience to the Yanga midfield, offering creativity, tactical discipline and a proven ability to execute set-pieces.
His arrival signals the exit of Mamadou Doumbia, who will return to Singida Black Stars after mutually accepting the decision, with his contractual payments secured.
Camara agreed to the move, though Singida were initially reluctant to release him due to ongoing injury concerns surrounding their captain, Khalid Aucho.
Camara’s arrival paves the way for the departure of Moussa Balla Conte, who failed to make a significant impact during his spell at the club and is now set to continue his career at Singida Black Stars.
Sources reveal that Yanga initially faced resistance while attempting to offload Conte, with the midfielder refusing to leave on loan before senior club officials intervened and finalised the arrangement.
