- Yanga sack Romain Folz as their head coach.
- The club announced the decision following a shock 1-0 defeat to Malawian Champions Silver Strikers in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.
- They have handed the reins to former Kaizer Chiefs captain Patrick Mabedi, who steps in as interim coach.
Kenyan international Duke Abuya will have to adjust to new leadership at Tanzania’s football powerhouse, Young Africans SC (Yanga), following the dismissal of French tactician Romain Folz.
The club announced the decision after their shock 1-0 defeat to Malawian champions Silver Strikers in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round match in Lilongwe on Saturday evening.
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In an official statement, the Tanzanian giants confirmed that they had parted ways with the Frenchman just a few months after his appointment.
“The Management of Young Africans Sports Club would like to inform the public that it has terminated the contract of the Head Coach of the first team, Romain Folz,” read part of the statement.
Folz, who took over in July 2025, had started his tenure on a promising note, clinching the Community Shield title in August after defeating arch-rivals Simba SC.
He also guided Yanga into the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, maintaining an unbeaten start in the domestic league before the Silver Strikers upset.
However, internal reports indicated growing dissatisfaction within the club’s top brass and among fans over the team’s conservative style of play and lack of creativity in attack, particularly after a goalless draw against Mbeya City.
Despite the early termination, Yanga’s management extended appreciation to the French coach for his brief but eventful contribution.
“The Club’s management extends its sincere gratitude to Coach Romain Folz for his contributions during his time with us and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours,” the club stated.
Yanga sack Romain Folz, Duke Abuya to work under new coach Mabedi
In the meantime, the Tanzanian Premier League champions have handed the reins to former Kaizer Chiefs captain Patrick Mabedi as the interim coach.
The Malawian legend, who recently joined Yanga’s technical bench as Folz’s assistant, will take charge of the team on an interim basis.
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Mabedi brings vast experience from his coaching stints in South Africa, where he previously served as an assistant coach at Kaizer Chiefs and held managerial roles at various clubs.
For Duke Abuya who played a huge role in last season’s Yanga title defence, the coaching change could open a new chapter in his career being that playing time under Coach Folz looked limited.
The Kenyan midfielder will now work under Mabedi as the team looks to bounce back from the first leg disappointment in CAF Champions League final preliminary round and maintain their dominance in the domestic league.
Yanga’s management has confirmed that the search for a permanent head coach is already underway, with an official appointment expected soon as the club eyes progress in both league and CAF Champions League.