Young Africans (Yanga SC) head coach, Romain Folz, has kicked off his tenure at Jangwani in remarkable fashion, quickly giving fans a glimpse of what to expect from their team this season.
Just two months since officially taking charge, the Frenchman has picked up from where Yanga left off last season—winning trophies—while gradually introducing his own philosophy and tactical systems into the squad.
Folz’s first piece of silverware came through the Community Shield, where Yanga edged bitter rivals Simba 1-0 in a highly anticipated derby last week. The victory not only marked a strong start but also stirred trouble in Msimbazi, handing Simba their sixth straight loss to Yanga and piling pressure on coach Fadlu Davids, who has since been forced to the sidelines.
Adding to the momentum, Yanga made a flying start in the CAF Champions League, thrashing Angola’s Wiliete 3-0 away from home—an emphatic result that puts the Tanzanian champions in a strong position to advance to the next round.
Folz has joined Yanga at a time when the club is blessed with extraordinary depth and talent. Every department of the squad boasts quality, giving him the luxury of selecting different weapons for different battles.
This season’s reinforcements have addressed previous weaknesses, leaving the team looking balanced and difficult to expose. The success of last season has also fostered harmony and stability within the squad. Folz has walked into a side full of confidence, without heavy pressure, leaving his main task to build on the momentum and refine the team with new tactical dimensions.
Unlike many new coaches, Folz has already enjoyed the advantage of working with his squad during pre-season preparations. He has seen nearly all his players in action, assessed where reinforcements were needed, and figured out how best to maximize the individual strengths within his squad.
