Tanzanian champions eye Sharks trio

Record Tanzanian champions Young Africans (Yanga) have expressed interest in signing three Kariobangi Sharks players after a successful outing in the third edition of the SportPesa Cup.

Sharks edged local foes Bandari 1-0 to clinch the cup in the Sunday final staged at the Benjamin Mkapa National stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Harrison Mwendwa, who is among three targeted players, scored the all-important goal, with the other been midfielders Patillah Omoto and Shaphan Oyugi.

“Yanga coach Mwinyi Zahera has requested the club management to go out of their way and rope in the players in time for the 2019/20 season,” Tanzania’s vocal sports paper, Mwanaspoti reported on Monday.

The weekly paper, Daily Nation’s sister paper, added that the Congolese tactician was impressed with the trio’s individual performance in the week-long tourney.

Sharks eliminated the 27-time Tanzanian Premier League champions 3-2 at the quarterfinal stage on Tuesday.

“Zahera was impressed with Omoto’s ball distribution, tackles and interceptions, he is the kind of player needed in his midfield, while Mwendwa's electric speed terrifies any opponent,” the paper added.

Sharks CEO Lindah Ambiyo is quoted expressing readiness for negotiations.

“If Yanga are interested in our players we’ve no problem opening talks for a possible transfer, we believe in talent development and exporting,” she said.

Mwendwa, who bagged two man-of-the-match accolades in the competition, has previously featured for the national team Harambee Stars.

Yanga top the 20-team Tanzanian top flight with 59 points from 19 rounds. The Tanzanian window opens at the end of the season in May.