Young Africans SC (Yanga) suffered a narrow exit from the CAF Champions League, finishing with 8 points in their group, just one point shy of MC Alger’s 9 points, which secured the Algerian side a spot in the quarter-finals. Following this disappointment, Yanga’s coach, Sead Ramovic, sparked controversy with remarks criticizing the quality of the Tanzanian Premier League (NBC Premier League).
Speaking to the media, Ramovic suggested that the league’s lack of competitiveness hindered the team’s ability to adapt to the higher standards of competitions like the CAF Champions League. Comparing the Tanzanian league to those in Algeria, South Africa, Morocco, and Tunisia, he claimed that the domestic league does not offer the same level of challenge needed to compete on the continental stage.
Fan Backlash and Counterarguments
Ramovic’s statement did not sit well with fans and analysts, who argued that the coach’s comments were misplaced and lacked evidence. Critics pointed out that Yanga’s performance in CAF competitions contradicts his claims.
For instance, Yanga reached the final of the CAF Confederation Cup last season, defeating strong teams from leagues Ramovic praised. Notably, they outclassed Marumo Gallants from South Africa’s Premier League both at home in the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and away in South Africa.
Additionally, Yanga’s spirited performance against Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals further demonstrated their capability to compete with the best teams from more reputed leagues. Despite the loss, their resilience and tactical discipline earned them respect, with even Sundowns’ technical bench acknowledging Yanga’s quality.
Flawed Comparisons
Critics also highlighted flaws in Ramovic’s comparisons. While leagues in North Africa and South Africa are widely regarded as competitive, Tanzanian clubs, particularly Yanga, have consistently performed well against teams from these regions in CAF tournaments. Yanga’s recent success on the continental stage underscores the progress and potential of Tanzanian football.
Instead of deflecting blame onto the domestic league, analysts believe Ramovic should focus on evaluating his team’s performances and identifying areas for improvement. His comments have been perceived as dismissive of the achievements of Tanzanian football, particularly considering Yanga’s historic run in CAF competitions.
Looking Ahead
Yanga’s exit from the CAF Champions League is undoubtedly a setback, but their recent successes, including last season’s Confederation Cup final appearance, reflect the club’s growing stature. Fans and stakeholders are now calling for a more constructive approach from the coach, urging him to focus on building the team rather than undermining the domestic league.
With the right mindset and strategies, Yanga can continue to challenge Africa’s football giants and prove that Tanzanian football is on the rise.
