Niyonzima wins title with Yanga Africans of Tanzania

For the second season running, Rwanda National Football Captain, Haruna Niyonzima, has won his second consecutive Tanzania Vodacom Premier League title with his side Yanga Africans FC.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

For the second season running, Rwanda National Football Captain, Haruna Niyonzima, has won the Tanzania Vodacom Premier League title with his side Yanga Africans FC.

Over the weekend, Niyonzima and his team were confirmed winners after rivals Simba succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at home to debutants Mwadui on Sunday in Dar es Salaam.  The defeat left Simba on 59 points, nine adrift of leaders ‘Yanga’ with two fixtures remaining.

Young Africans’ have now won the Tanzanian League a record 26 times and also smashed the record for most points (62) collected by a team. The 66 goals they scored this season are also their  all-time best.

Niyonzima has now won four league titles: (2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015-16) with the club on top of two CECAFA club championships.

Over the weekend, head coach Hans Van der Pluijm told BBC Swahili language radio station that Yanga deserved the title because of the players' maturity and consistency as well as commitment throughout the season.

"Everyone worked hard this season. We had tough fixtures but we maintained our form to win as many games as possible to retain the title. It was our first target - to win the league and that's why we signed quality players. We are now looking forward to qualify to the CAF Confederation Cup last eight," said the Dutch tactician.”