Sead Ramovic is set to begin his reign as the head coach of Young Africans with a challenging CAF Champions League Group A opener against Sudan’s Al Hilal this afternoon at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Ramovic was announced as the new Yanga coach just under two weeks after parting ways with TS Galaxy following a slow start to their 2024-25 league campaign where they went six matches without a win.
The Tanzanian side is coming to this match at the back of two successive losses which resulted in the departure of Miguel Gamondi. They face a side that knocked them out of this tournament during their last meeting after securing an aggregate 2-1 victory.
The 45-year-old expressed confidence in his team’s ability and preparation, acknowledging the challenge of the upcoming match but maintaining a positive outlook.
“I think that we will play against a very strong team, and I am sure that the game will be intense, a proactive match that will require a lot of mental and tactical readiness. But I know that we as a team, have the ability to control the ball, the game and this is our approach. We will be ready for a tough battle and hopefully, the end will be on our side,” Ramovic told the media on Monday.
Yanga will be looking to surpass last season’s quarterfinal exit, where they were eliminated by Mamelodi Sundowns in a 3-2 penalty shootout following two goalless draws.
Ramovic urged the Yanga fans to come out in their numbers to support the team.
“I came and watched the national team when they played here a few days ago, to see this kind of supporters is amazing. I hope they will come tomorrow (today) again to support us to give us a chance.
“We need them, they are part of us, they’re part of this beautiful amazing club and we win, together and we lose together but hopefully we will have more wins because then we can celebrate together,” concluded Ramovic.