Amavubi Captain and Yanga midfielder Haruna Niyonzima. Amavubi Captain Haruna Niyonzima played a starring role after scoring a goal as Tanzanian side Yanga FC thrashed Platinum of Zimbabwe 5-1 in the first leg of the Caf Confederations cup on Sunday. The 25-year-old winger joined Yanga in 2011 and is one of the club’s most important players and is among the highest paid players in the country earning Rwf2m a month, according to Tanzanian newspaper, Mwanasporti. Niyonzima scored the 3rd goal after his colleague Mrisho Ngassa had scored a brace in the first half. Salim Telela and Amisi Tambwe scored the other goals. Yanga now need a draw or win to progress to the next round of the Caf Confederations cup. Their first leg performance means that they can afford to lose by a small margin, and still sail through. Founded in 1935, Yanga have won the Tanzanian football league 24 times and have triumphed in the Tanzanian peace cup on four occasions. The club is also a regional power house after winning 5 Cecafa club championships. However like most clubs in the region, the team has struggled in continental tournaments. Yanga have reached the Orange Caf champions league second round on only two occasions in 2001 and 2007. Niyonzima’s contract runs out at the end of the season and it is not yet clear whether the Tanzanian club will renew it. Times Sport could not reach the winger by press time. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
