Young Africans President Hersi Ally Said has provided an update on the situation of in-demand Stephane Aziz Ki, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns among those linked to the midfielder.
The 28-year-old is currently one of the sought-after players on the African continent after impressive displays for Yanga, particularly in the CAF Champions League, where the Tanzania Premier League champions were knocked out by Sundowns.
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Even then, Aziz Ki left spectators and pundits alike in awe and sparked a frenzy of interest. KickOff reported that Pirates went as far as enquiring about the Burkina Faso international.
Multiple other reports suggested that Sundowns themselves have also taken a keen interest in the midfielder. In the Champions League, Aziz Ki contributed two goals and two assists in 12 appearances.
Speaking at the launch of the Toyota Cup on Monday, the Yanga president admitted there is heavy interest from South Africa and that the chances of Stephane Aziz Ki remaining at the Tanzanian giants are 60/40.
"It's very tough for us to lose a player like Aziz Ki, I'm not saying we're going to lose him, but there's a lot of interest coming from a number of clubs, including clubs in South Africa," Said told journalists after the press conference.
"But Young Africans has a very strong connection with the player and also we've done our homework as leaders of the club to make sure the player stays in the club, and the discussion is going very well.
"We will definitely come back and do the [announcement] when we finalise the thing, but for now nothing has been finalised, even though there are a lot of other clubs interested in the player.
"So, the discussion is there. I can say, there's a big chance for him to stay, but we haven't finalised yet."
Captured that Aziz Ki goal..?????????????? pic.twitter.com/BO8PaxsO9W
— PeterArsenal (@petermboye) August 29, 2023
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"He has tried to make his position clear that he wants to stay. I signed him two years ago and I told him about my project, that we want to take this team to the next level, with him as well, and he was the key member of the plan. So, our discussion was the same and he was very keen to say. 'I need to be here at Young Africans'.
"So, yes, he wants to stay, but you know football is business nowadays. You can be tempted to stay, but financial approaches can change your mind. So, [the chances of him staying or leaving are] 60/40."
Yanga will meet Kaizer Chiefs in the Toyota Cup on 28 July in Bloemfontein.