Yanga SC’s squad has received a major boost with the return of several key players, who could feature in the eagerly anticipated match against Tanzania Prisons on April 4, 2026 at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Striker Prince Dube, who has six goals this season, and central defender Ibrahim Abdallah Hamad ‘Bacca’, both missed the goalless draw against Azam FC at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium due to injuries.
They have now recovered and are expected to resume playing once the league resumes.
Meanwhile, Chadrack Boka and Edmund John who have been sidelined for a prolonged period, will also rejoin team training, which is scheduled to begin on 30 March 2026.
Both Dube and Bacca missed Yanga’s recent league matches: a 1-1 draw against Mtibwa at Jamhuri Stadium on 21 March and a 0-0 draw with TRA United at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha.
Their return is seen as crucial ahead of the final stages of the season, where every point counts in the title race.
Yanga continue to top the Tanzanian Premier League with 38 points from 16 matches, seven points ahead of Simba, who have played two games fewer.
Former Yanga striker Sekilojo Chambua said: “When Laurindo Dilson Depu and Prince Dube play together, with Depu stationed as the finisher and Dube roaming freely, goals are bound to come.”
He added: “Both Dube and Depu have six goals each, so their absence meant 12 goals were missed. Dube’s return could make a huge difference in boosting the team’s scoring tally.”
Another former striker, Said Bahanuzi, commented: “The second round matches will decide who lifts the title this season. The return of Dube, Depu, Bacca, and other players significantly strengthens the squad.”
Apart from the returning stars, some long-term absentees are yet to rejoin, including Job, who has previously formed a successful attacking combination with Bacca, helping Yanga secure four consecutive league titles.
Additionally, Clement Mzize remains sidelined.
Over the past two seasons, he has scored a total of 20 goals and provided 11 assists (14 goals and 4 assists in 2024/25; 6 goals and 7 assists in 2023/24).
However, reports indicate that Depu may return to action at any time from now.
