Young Africans SC will tomorrow face TMA Stars in the Round of 16 of the CRDB Federation Cup at the KMC Complex, in what is expected to be a competitive knockout encounter.
The match brings together a dominant top-flight side and a determined lower-division team, with both sides targeting a place in the quarter-finals.
Young Africans SC head coach Pedro Goncalves said his team is fully focused on winning and advancing further in the competition.
He stressed that his players will not take the match lightly despite the difference in experience and quality between the two sides.
Goncalves pointed out that cup competitions often produce surprises, recalling their previous tough encounter against Cosmopolitans.
He said lower-division teams usually play with discipline and strong motivation, making them dangerous opponents if underestimated.
He insisted that Yanga must remain disciplined, focused, and avoid any form of complacency if they are to achieve their target of lifting the trophy.
Midfielder Allan Okello also emphasized the need for seriousness and respect for every opponent. He said Yanga must approach the game with the same intensity they use in league matches to maintain their standards.
Allan Okello noted that the team’s strength lies in consistency and hard work, adding that underestimating any side could be costly in knockout football.
On the other side, TMA Stars head coach Omari Matiko said his team is well prepared for the challenge and ready to compete strongly despite facing one of the country’s biggest clubs.
He said the players have been prepared both physically and mentally to handle the pressure that comes with playing a high-profile opponent in a knockout match.
TMA Stars player Wilson Chibogo said the fixture offers a big opportunity for the squad to showcase their talent on a major stage. He added that the team sees the match as a final and will give maximum effort to try and cause an upset.
Wilson Chibogo said every player selected will be determined to deliver their best performance.
The encounter is expected to attract strong attention from fans as Yanga continue their pursuit of domestic cup glory, while TMA Stars aim to produce one of the competition’s biggest surprises.
