Top-of-the-Table Yanga Dismiss Head Coach Pedro Gonçalves

Young Africans SC Part Ways With Head Coach Pedro Gonçalves Despite League-Leading Run

Young Africans Sports Club have announced the departure of Head Coach Pedro Gonçalves, hours after the team recorded a 1-0 victory over Kinondoni Municipal Council in the NBC Tanzania Premier League on Wednesday evening. The club confirmed the decision in an official statement released today, ending the Portuguese coach’s spell in charge.

Young Africans currently sit unbeaten at the top of the NBC Tanzania Premier League table with 51 points from 21 matches. In continental competition this season, Yanga competed in CAF Champions League Group B alongside Al Ahly, AS FAR Rabat, and JS Kabylie. The group finished with Al Ahly on 10 points, FAR Rabat on 9 points, Young Africans on 8 points, and JS Kabylie on 3 points.

Club Statement
In a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Young Africans SC said:

“The management of Young Africans Sports Club wishes to inform the public that the position of Head Coach of our first team, Pedro Gonçalves, has been terminated.

The club’s leadership thanks Coach Pedro Gonçalves for the contributions he made during his tenure and wishes him every success in his future endeavors.

During this period, our team will be under the guidance of Coach Abdihamid Moalin together with Coach Patrick Mabedi until the end of the season.”

Recent Form and Squad Changes
The announcement comes days after Young Africans faced Simba SC twice. Yanga lost 1-0 in the Muungano Cup final and then fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Simba in the league.

Gonçalves took charge of a squad that had seen several departures, including Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho, Aziz Ki, Clatous Chama, Jonas Mkude, Jonathan Ikangalombo, and Nickson Kikabage. During his tenure, the club brought in new players to strengthen the team. Key signings included midfielder Allan Okello from Vipers SC in January 2026, Angolan forward Depú from Radomiak, defensive midfielder Balla Mousa Conté from CS Sfaxien, and left-back Mohamed Hussein from Simba SC. Other additions were full-back Offen Chikola from Tabora United, forward Andy Boyeli on loan from Sekhukhune United, goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga from Singida SC, and centre-back Frank Assinki from Singida SC.

The 1-0 win over KMC extended Young Africans’ unbeaten run in the NBC Tanzania Premier League. The team remains in first place with 51 points from 21 matches. Coaches Abdihamid Moalin and Patrick Mabedi will take charge of the first team through to the end of the season as the club continues its league campaign.

Young Africans SC will now look to maintain their domestic form while the club’s management begins the process of appointing a new permanent head coach.