Dar es Salaam. Young Football Club have announced the immediate dismissal of Head Coach Pedro Gonçalves, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure in charge of the first team.
The decision was confirmed in an official statement issued by the club’s Chief Executive Officer on May 6, 2026, marking a significant managerial shift while the team remains in contention for domestic honours.
The announcement comes in the immediate aftermath of Young Football Club’s 1–0 victory over KMC, a result that, under normal circumstances, would have been expected to reinforce stability within the technical bench.
However, the club stated that the decision followed an internal review conducted by the management, which evaluated the team’s recent performances and overall direction.
No detailed breakdown of the review findings was made public.
In its communication, the club maintained a formal tone, expressing appreciation for the services rendered by Pedro Gonçalves during his period in charge.
It acknowledged his contribution to the team’s development and competitive performances and extended its best wishes for his future professional engagements.
The statement emphasised that the separation was handled in a professional manner consistent with the club’s governance standards.
Pedro Gonçalves joined Young Football Club in late October 2025, arriving with a strong reputation built on continental and international experience.
Prior to his appointment, he served as head coach of the Angola national team, where he achieved notable success.
His tenure with Angola included guiding the national side to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, as well as securing a COSAFA Cup title.
His arrival at Yanga was therefore widely regarded as a strategic appointment aimed at strengthening both domestic dominance and continental competitiveness.
During his spell at Young Football Club, Gonçalves oversaw a campaign that initially delivered strong domestic results.
The team maintained a competitive edge in the NBC Premier League and demonstrated consistent form across most fixtures.
His tactical approach was credited with improving organisation and discipline within the squad, particularly in high-pressure matches.
However, despite the strong domestic standing, recent weeks saw increasing scrutiny over the team’s performances in key competitions.
The club’s exit from the CAF Champions League at the group stage was viewed as a setback, particularly given expectations that the team would progress further in the continental tournament.
This elimination is understood to have contributed significantly to growing pressure around the technical bench.
Further concerns were raised following the team’s draw in the highly anticipated Kariakoo Derby against rivals Simba SC.
Although the result preserved their league position, the performance reportedly fell short of internal expectations.
In addition, Young Football Club suffered defeat in the Muungano Cup final, a result that further compounded concerns regarding consistency in decisive matches.
Taken together, these outcomes appear to have influenced the management’s decision to reassess the leadership structure of the technical bench.
While the club has not publicly attributed the dismissal to any single factor, the sequence of results in both domestic and continental competitions is understood to have played a central role.
At the time of Gonçalves’ departure, Young Football Club remain in a strong position in the NBC Premier League standings.
The team currently leads the table with 51 points and maintains an unbeaten record after 21 matches.
This position underscores the complexity of the decision, as it comes during a period in which the club remains firmly in the title race.
In response to the vacancy, Young Football Club have confirmed the appointment of Abdihamid Moalin as interim head coach.
He will assume leadership of the first team alongside Patrick Mabedi for the remainder of the season.
The arrangement is intended to provide continuity while the club evaluates long-term technical direction.
Moalin, who has been serving as the club’s Technical Director, is already familiar with the squad structure, internal systems and player development framework.
His elevation to interim head coach is therefore expected to ensure operational stability during the transitional period.
His collaboration with Mabedi, who brings extensive international experience including a previous role as head coach of the Malawi national team, is seen as a balanced technical partnership.
The club has stated that the interim technical team will take immediate responsibility for first-team preparations, match planning and competitive fixtures.
Their mandate includes maintaining the club’s position at the top of the league table while ensuring continuity in performance standards across remaining competitions.
Young Football Club concluded its statement by thanking Pedro Gonçalves for his service and commitment during his tenure.
The club reiterated its commitment to maintaining high performance standards and pursuing its objectives for the remainder of the season.
It also emphasised that further communication regarding long-term technical appointments will be made in due course.
The managerial change introduces a new phase in the club’s season, coming at a critical juncture where domestic success remains within reach and expectations remain high.
