YOUNG Africans SC is on the verge of claiming the squad’s 30th NBC Premier League title after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Mashujaa FC in Kigoma on Sunday.

This win extends the lead at the top of the table for Young Africans SC, also known as Yanga, and leaves the club needing just eight points from the remaining five matches to secure the trophy.

Following the match, Yanga’s head coach Miguel Gamondi commended his team’s performance.

“We created a lot of chances but we’re grateful to have converted one. I want to congratulate the players for their dedication and fighting spirit. It’s a pleasure to see them continue to strive for the goals we’ve set for ourselves this season,” Gamondi acknowledged.

The tight schedule of NBC Premier League matches, with games every three days, has not deterred Yanga’s ambition to win their remaining fixtures. 

The Argentinian tactician addressed concerns about player rotation, noting: “We have a tough schedule with games every three days.” 

Gamondi explained. “That’s why I rest some players for injuries or to give them time to recover. Some fans might not understand this, but the players must be 100% fit for every game.”

He emphasized the importance of player fitness in maintaining their winning momentum and securing the championship title.

The Jangwani Street-based side dominated both encounters with Mashujaa FC this season, winning 2-1 at home earlier and repeating the feat with a 1-0 away win at Lake Tanganyika Stadium in Kigoma.

The hero for Yanga on Sunday was Ivorian attacker Joseph Guede, who fully exploited midfielder Mudathir Yahya’s pass in the 41st minute to score his fifth goal of the season since joining the club during the recent transfer window.

With 65 points after 33 games, the 29-time Premier League champion sits comfortably in first place.

In the remaining five matches, they only need eight points to reach an unassailable total of 73. This target mathematically eliminated their closest challengers, Azam FC and Simba SC, from challenging for the title.

Even if Azam FC, currently occupying the second spot with 54 points, wins all of the club’s remaining six games, the side can so far reach a maximum of 72 points.

Similarly, Simba SC, sitting third with 50 points, can all but manage 71 points even if the squad wins the remaining seven matches.

Yanga’s away form this season has been impressive. The club has won nine games, drawn two, and lost only two on the road, scoring 24 goals and conceding just seven. This has translated into a valuable haul of 29 points from the away fixtures.

The squad's remaining fixtures include home games against Kagera Sugar, Tanzania Prisons FC, and Tabora United, it will moreover honour away fixtures against Mtibwa Sugar and Dodoma Jiji FC.

With a favorable schedule and a strong away record, Yanga is well-positioned to secure their historic 30th NBC Premier League title.