Africa-Press – Tanzania. YOUNG Africans Head Coach Pedro Gonçalves has warned of a challenging encounter as his team prepares to face Pamba Jiji in today’s Mainland Premier League fixture at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.
Speaking on the pre-match interview in Mwanza, Gonçalves described Pamba Jiji’s home form as formidable, saying the club has built a reputation as a “strong fortress” due to their record of not losing matches on home soil.
“We have to understand that it will be difficult to play good football in a stadium like CCM Kirumba. We cannot expect to see a very attractive game,” Gonçalves said.
Pamba Jiji have remained unbeaten at home this season against Simba, Azam and Singida Black Stars, securing hard-fought draws of 1–1, 2–2 and 1–1 respectively.
Despite the expected difficulties, the Young Africans coach stressed the importance of securing a victory, noting that his team still has 12 matches remaining in a highly competitive league. Young Africans lead the table with 41 points from 17 matches.
Gonçalves also expressed concerns over the pitch conditions following recent rains, calling on stakeholders to assist in improving stadium infrastructure to support the development of football in Tanzania.
While Young Africans have generally been dominant, their recent string of three consecutive away draws against Azam, TRA United and Mtibwa Sugar suggests a slight dip in away winning momentum.
However, history points to a difficult outing for the hosts. Since their promotion in 2024, Pamba Jiji have struggled to contain Yanga’s attacking efficiency, losing all three of their top-flight meetings without scoring. Their most recent encounter in September 2025 ended in a 3-0 victory for Yanga.
Despite past struggles against Yanga, Pamba Jiji have earned points against other top teams at home, holding Simba SC and Azam FC to draws in the 2025/2026 season. The club hopes to repeat that form against the defending champions.
Pamba Jiji Head Coach Francis Baraza said his team is ready and motivated for the challenge.
“We have completed our preparations fully and the boys are ready for the next game. We respect Yanga as champions, but we are also ready to compete with all our strength,” Baraza said.
Pamba Jiji, currently sitting fifth in the league, come into the fixture after a hard-fought goalless draw with Mashujaa FC. Baraza will have a test to challenge the Yanga side that has already kept a league-high 14 clean sheets this season.
He added that key player James Mwashinga is recovering well from an injury sustained in the recent FRANCIS Baraza PEDRO Gonçalves match against Mashujaa FC.
