It is clear that at this point Yanga’s leadership will be scratching their heads over which foreign players should be released to make room for the new foreign signings completed during this transfer window.
Midfielder Moussa Balla Conte was among the players who had been mentioned as candidates to be sent out on loan.
Conte and Mohamed Doumbia were linked with a move to Singida BS. While that plan could still be finalized for Doumbia, the situation for Conte may change.
The Mapinduzi Cup, which concluded yesterday with Yanga crowned champions after a 5–4 penalty shootout victory over Azam FC following a goalless draw, may have helped Conte retain his place at Yanga.
Conte emerged as the man of the match, putting in a tireless performance for the full 120 minutes and leaving many wondering why this level of quality had not been evident since his arrival.
The Guinean midfielder first showed flashes of his ability in the semifinal against Singida BS, a match in which Yanga head coach Pedro Gonçalves deployed him as a central defender.
With Mohamed Damaro absent in the final against Azam FC, Conte returned to his midfield role, while Dickson Job and Ibrahim Bacca started as the central defenders.
Conte has demonstrated that he deserves to remain in the Yanga squad, and what he needs most is consistent playing time.
It should be noted that so far Yanga have signed Allan Okello and Laurindo Aurélio “Depú” as foreign players, while Damaro has been registered as a Tanzanian after obtaining citizenship in 2025.
Andy Boyeli has already departed, while Doumbia is reportedly heading to Singida BS on loan. To reintegrate Yao Kouassi into the squad, Yanga would need one more foreign player slot.
Conte is in red-hot form, Frank Assink has been outstanding since earning Gonçalves’ trust, while Celestin Ecua continues to be relied upon despite criticism from supporters.
It is clear that these circumstances could put Yao’s future in doubt, even as he continues to regain form after spending a long time sidelined.
