Young Africans Sports Club (Yanga) spokesperson Ally Kamwe has called on the club’s supporters to put their disappointment over the 2–1 defeat to Simba SC behind them and rally behind the team as it prepares for a crucial CAF Champions League encounter against Madagascar’s CFFA.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Kamwe acknowledged the emotional impact of Saturday’s Kariakoo Derby defeat but insisted that Yanga must remain focused on its season objectives, particularly the pursuit of the NBC Premier League title and progress in continental competition.
He said losing to traditional rivals Simba carries a different emotional weight from other league defeats because the rivalry is deeply rooted in the daily lives of supporters, extending to families, schools, neighbourhoods and workplaces.
Kamwe expressed sympathy with Yanga members and fans who were disappointed by the result, while reminding them that setbacks are part of football and should be used as motivation to improve.
“We understand your disappointment, anger and the pain caused by the result. However, what matters most is how we respond and prepare for the challenges ahead,” he said.
Despite the derby setback, Kamwe maintained that Yanga’s domestic title ambitions remain firmly on course, noting that 23 league matches are still to be played.
He urged the team to learn from its mistakes, strengthen its preparations and avoid allowing one disappointing result to derail its wider ambitions.
According to Kamwe, the club’s principal objective this season is to win the domestic league title, making it essential for players, technical staff, management and supporters to remain united.
“Our goal this season is to compete for and win the domestic league title. We must not allow the result of one match to distract us from what we have been working towards since the beginning of the season,” he said.
He added that discipline, unity and improved preparation would be critical in helping the team regain its form and deliver the results expected by its supporters.
Kamwe also provided an update on midfielder Duke Abuya, who sustained an injury during the Kariakoo Derby against Simba.
He said the injury initially appeared to be a routine football-related problem but had continued to cause the player pain, prompting further medical examinations to determine its severity.
According to the club’s preliminary medical assessment, Abuya could be sidelined for two to three weeks, although his actual recovery period will depend on further test results and the doctors’ assessment.
The update comes as Yanga prepare for their upcoming continental assignment, with the club continuing to monitor the midfielder’s condition.
Kamwe further confirmed that the matter involving Yanga player Israel Patrick Mwenda had been reviewed by the relevant committee responsible for players’ legal and status matters.
He said the committee had issued its decision, directing Mwenda to return to his duty station and comply with the sanctions and instructions outlined in the ruling.
Kamwe stated that the matter had been concluded in accordance with the committee’s decision and that Mwenda was expected to resume his responsibilities and continue fulfilling his contract with the club.
Yanga expect the player to return to action and contribute to the team’s performance as they pursue their objectives in domestic and continental competitions.
The clarification follows speculation among supporters after photographs of Mwenda circulated on social media, prompting questions about his situation at the club.
With the derby behind them, Yanga have shifted their attention to the CAF Champions League, where they are scheduled to face CFFA of Madagascar on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Kamwe said CFFA were expected to arrive in Tanzania on Tuesday evening, adding that an agreement between the parties had been reached for both legs of the tie to be played in Tanzania.
Under the arrangement, Saturday’s match will be treated as CFFA’s home fixture despite being played on Tanzanian soil.
The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 3pm at Azam Complex.
Kamwe said the club would announce ticket prices after the press conference, assuring supporters that the charges would be affordable to encourage a strong turnout.
He stressed that the team’s response to the derby defeat would be particularly important ahead of the continental fixture, noting that psychological preparation would be just as important as tactical and physical readiness.
Kamwe warned that opponents in continental competitions closely assess the recent performances, players’ condition and psychological state of the teams they face. He said Yanga must therefore ensure that their disappointment over the derby does not create an opportunity for CFFA.
Reflecting on a difficult period last season following a league defeat to Azam FC at Chamazi, he said poor results in one competition should not automatically determine a team’s prospects in another.
He urged the players and technical bench to regain their focus, maintain confidence and approach the CFFA encounter with the determination required to secure progress in the competition.
Kamwe appealed to Yanga members and supporters to channel their disappointment into positive energy as the team prepares for Saturday’s match.
He encouraged fans to use social media platforms, WhatsApp groups and everyday conversations to motivate the players, strengthen unity and build confidence ahead of the encounter.
He cautioned that another setback, particularly failure to advance in the CAF Champions League following the derby defeat, would be a significant blow to the club and its supporters.
“Let us not continue spending all our energy on the pain of the previous result. Instead, let us use that disappointment as motivation to fight harder and win the next match,” he said.
Kamwe emphasised that the players need to see that supporters remain firmly behind them, even during difficult moments.
He called on the entire Yanga community to maintain its belief in the team, stressing that unity, patience, discipline and collective commitment would be essential in overcoming the recent setback and keeping the club’s ambitions alive.
For Yanga, Saturday’s meeting with CFFA now presents an opportunity to restore confidence, reconnect with supporters and take an important step towards achieving their continental ambitions.