Dar es Salaam. The outstanding form of Yanga SC striker Clement Mzize has attracted serious interest from several top clubs, with reports indicating that the current Tanzanian Premier League top scorer—with 13 goals—is on the verge of a record-breaking move to France, in a deal valued at Sh5 billion.
If finalized, the transfer would become the most expensive and profitable outgoing move in Tanzanian football history.
Yanga’s Communications Manager, Ally Kamwe, recently hinted that Mzize is likely heading to France next season in what is shaping up to be a lucrative transfer.
However, he remained tight-lipped about the specific club involved.
“I can’t reveal the club yet, but discussions are underway. Yanga is set to receive Sh5 billion from the deal. If any club can match that figure, they’re welcome to make an offer. But that’s our asking price for the striker,” Kamwe said.
However, The BizLens understands that Yanga is in advanced talks with agents representing Olympique Lyonnais and AS Saint-Étienne, two prominent French clubs.
“Saint-Étienne has shown concrete interest, but Lyon is also in the picture. With the season still ongoing, it’s hard to say exactly where he’ll land, but negotiations are moving forward,” a source revealed.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest the deal would mirror the structure of Stephane Aziz Ki’s transfer, who is reportedly set to join FAR Rabat in Morocco next season.
In both cases, Yanga is aiming to secure maximum value while ensuring the player benefits from a career-enhancing move abroad.
Insiders say Yanga’s leadership is prioritizing a destination that will offer Mzize long-term benefits—both financially and in terms of exposure to European football.
Notably, French clubs are not the first to express interest in Mzize.
Earlier this season, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs also attempted to sign him.
Kaizer Chiefs, managed by former Yanga coach Nasreddine Nabi—a key figure in Mzize’s development—reportedly made a $200,000 (Sh542.3 million) offer, which was rejected by Yanga.
Wydad Casablanca, then coached by South African tactician Rhulani Mokwena, offered just $100,000 (Sh271.1 million), well below Yanga’s valuation of over $1 million (Sh2 billion).
Performance record
Mzize debuted in the 2022–2023 season and quickly made an impact, scoring five goals and providing one assist to help Yanga clinch the league title.
That same season, Yanga reached the CAF Confederation Cup final, losing to USM Alger on away goals after a 2–2 aggregate draw (2–1 loss at home, 1–0 win away).
In the 2023–2024 campaign, Mzize elevated his game, contributing six goals and seven assists—13 goal involvements out of Yanga’s 71 total goals—as the club secured a third consecutive league title with 80 points.
Now in his third season, Mzize appears to be reaching his peak.
He has directly contributed to 16 goals this season—nearly 24 percent of Yanga’s 68 league goals—helping them maintain top position with 70 points after 26 matches.
If his transfer goes through, Mzize would follow in the footsteps of Fiston Mayele, the Congolese striker sold to Egypt’s Pyramids FC on July 30, 2023, after a prolific spell at Yanga following his move from AS Vita Club.
Mayele ended the 2022–2023 season as joint top scorer in the Tanzanian Premier League with 17 goals, tied with the then Simba’s Saidi Ntibazonkiza, and was also the top scorer in the CAF Confederation Cup with seven goals.
Given Mzize’s current form and scoring prowess, a move abroad seems increasingly likely.
With major French clubs circling, it’s only a matter of time before his next chapter is officially unveiled.
