Young Africans (Yanga) head coach Manqoba Mngqithi is set to make a crucial decision ahead of the October 10 Kariakoo Derby against traditional rivals Simba at Uhuru Stadium. The return of Clement Mzize to full fitness has given Mngqithi another important option in a frontline that already includes Peter Shalulile, Cheick Ibrahima Touré, and Seleman Mwalimu. Mzize's return has added depth to Yanga's attacking department, providing the coach with a welcome selection headache.
Mzize's return to competitive action on September 15, coming on in the 65th minute for Mwalimu during Yanga's 1-0 Mainland Premier League victory over Geita Gold at KMC Complex, marked a significant milestone. His first league appearance for Yanga since June 25, 2025, when he scored in a 2-0 victory over Simba, was a boost to the team. Mzize's absence from the 2025/26 league campaign due to a knee injury that required surgery had been felt by the team.
The 22-year-old Mzize was one of Yanga's most productive attackers before his injury, scoring 14 league goals during the 2024/25 season. His return provides Mngqithi with a proven scoring ability that can be utilized in various ways. Mzize's versatility allows him to operate from either flank, giving the coach another tactical solution for the derby. He can start centrally or be deployed on the right or left to exploit space behind Simba's fullbacks.
Shalulile remains one of Mngqithi's principal attacking references. The Namibian has already shown his ability to influence important matches, scoring against Gaborone United in the Champions League and registering two league goals this season. His movement, experience, and ability to occupy defenders make him a natural option for the derby. Shalulile's presence provides a different dimension to Yanga's attack.
Touré and Mwalimu also provide different options for Mngqithi. The Senegalese forward Touré has scored in the league and Champions League, offering physical presence, aerial ability, and the capacity to hold the ball up when Yanga play directly. Mwalimu's importance was underlined in the Champions League tie against Gaborone United, when he supplied the assist for Shalulile's goal before scoring Yanga's stoppage-time equaliser in the first leg in Botswana.
The competition for places in Yanga's attacking department is not simply about who scores the most goals. Mngqithi must consider movement, pressing, physical presence, positional flexibility, and how each player fits into the attacking structure. Yanga's 16 goals in their opening six league matches underline the importance of having different sources of danger rather than relying exclusively on one striker.
The return of Mzize gives Mngqithi several combinations to consider. He can use Shalulile as the central reference, pair him with Touré or Mwalimu, or introduce Mzize from either flank to stretch Simba's defence. For a coach preparing for one of Tanzania's most demanding fixtures, that depth could become a tactical advantage as the derby approaches.
Key points
- Yanga head coach Manqoba Mngqithi faces a selection headache ahead of the Kariakoo Derby against Simba.
- Clement Mzize's return to full fitness provides Mngqithi with another important option in a frontline that already includes Peter Shalulile, Cheick Ibrahima Touré, and Seleman Mwalimu.
- Mzize's versatility and proven scoring ability make him a valuable asset for Yanga in the derby against Simba.
