After an impressive season that saw him attract interest from around the continent, including some of SA's biggest teams, Stephane Aziz Ki has revealed what inspired his great form in 2023/24.
The 28-year-old earned the Tanzania Premier League's Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize after his displays during the 2023/24 campaign, with his 21 goals helping Young Africans become domestic champions.
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During the off-season, the attacking midfielder had been linked with moves to South African giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, with Rulani Mokwena also believed to have identified the star as a priority target after being named as manager of Wydad Athletic Club.
However, the Tanzanian outfit confirmed their desire to keep hold of the Burkina Faso international as they look to find more success in the 2024/25 season.
Reflecting on the performances that generated an array of interest from clubs across the continent, Aziz Ki credited the high levels set by his teammates.
"I played at this level last season because of the help of the team," the player told CAF Online.
"They gave me everything I needed, that is why I don't think about myself – I always think about the team. Because I can't win alone.
"I won't say that I'm the best, the team is the best. I just want to be as good as they are."
The attacking midfielder also highlighted his side's goal for this season's edition of the CAF Champions League, and stated their intention of becoming the best team on the continent.
"The objective for the season is clear; to go far. By that I mean minimum semi-final," Aziz Ki continued.
"That is what everyone is working towards. We have to be ready to play every game like a final if we want to be regarded as the best in Africa."
The club will once more be led by manager Miguel Gamondi, and Aziz Ki revealed just how the Argentine has influenced the Tanzanian outfit since being appointed in July last year.
"Honestly, Gamondi changed everything in the team, especially the mentality of the players because you can see that the team wants to score more goals in every game," he added.
"Sometimes you can get complacent when you are winning, but he pushes us because he wants us to be better and to take every game seriously, which is a good mentality to have as players.
"We have to be grateful to him because he helped me as an individual and the team as a whole to be better every day."
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