Yanga head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has urged the club's supporters in Arusha to turn out in large numbers at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium tomorrow, Monday, while stressing the importance of securing victory against Fountain Gate.
Yanga will travel to face Fountain Gate tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. in a fifth-round Premier League encounter, with the team looking to maintain its impressive run in the competition.
Speaking to journalists today ahead of the match, Mngqithi said he expects a tough challenge because of Fountain Gate's quality, as well as the presence of coach Fredy Minziro, who knows Yanga well.
Mngqithi stressed that Yanga would not make the mistake of underestimating their opponents simply because Fountain Gate have failed to win their recent matches, noting that they have a competitive squad.
“These are among the difficult matches, and it is very important that we win. We know Fountain Gate have a good coach who has previously been part of Yanga's technical bench, so he understands the club's culture. He is experienced and has good players. As Yanga, we have to work hard to win tomorrow,” Mngqithi said.
The Yanga coach said his team has analysed how Fountain Gate play and that final preparations are continuing ahead of the encounter.
“We know our opponents have lost several matches recently, but our responsibility is to respect every game. We have studied how Fountain Gate play, and today we are going to make our final preparations for the match. I believe we will have a good game,” he added.
Mngqithi Calls on Wananchi to Fill Sheikh Amri Abeid
Beyond the tactical preparations, Mngqithi used the opportunity to call on Yanga supporters, popularly known as Wananchi, to turn out in large numbers and give the team a boost during the match.
The coach said the presence of the fans is important to both him and the players, explaining that their support gives him additional motivation to perform well.
“I strongly urge the Wananchi to come in large numbers. They are very important to the team and also to me as a coach because they give me the motivation to perform well every day. I really appreciate their support since we arrived in this country, and I ask them to come tomorrow so that we can win together,” Manqoba said.
The match will provide another test for Yanga as they look to maintain their dominance in the Premier League, while Fountain Gate will be tasked with stopping the defending champions' momentum.
