One of the biggest clubs in Africa has been revived this season through a former Absa Premiership manager who added South African influence to his latest challenge.
Luc Eymael is a name that divides opinion within the South African football fraternity but his record in Africa cannot be questioned, with a penchant of turning underperforming sides around.
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Despite the brief stint at Black Leopards that ended in December, the Belgian is still held in high regard after a historic Nedbank Cup title win with Free State Stars, who now find themselves in the GladAfrica Championship.
His latest adventure in Tanzania has proven to be one of the most daunting tasks, with Young Africans, the 20-time Tanzania Premier League champions who were languishing in seventh upon his appointment.
After touching down in Dar es Salam, Eyamel appointed former Ea Lla Koto fitness coach Riedoh Berdien as an assistant, while roping in former Pirates midfielder Bernard Morrison.
While Morrison quickly established himself as a fan favourite across the country with his flamboyant style of play, Berdien and Eymael have silently climbed the table - with Yanga just two points off second place.
The progress under the leadership shone through recently as they defeated reigning champions Simba 1-0 in the Dar es Salaam derby, which is ranked amongst the top five rivalries on the continent.
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Speaking to snl24.com/kickoff, Eymael concedes life in East Africa can't compare to 'the most modern country on the continent' but has adapted to the unique circumstances.
And on Morrison, who's transformed since his ill-fated spell at the Buccaneers, he's suggested that it's been a collective effort to catapult him into the limelight in the Vodacom Premier League.
"Morrison is playing very very well, he's full of confidence, he's a star here in Tanzania but he can't shine without his teammates," Eymael explains.
"You can put Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Messi, Ronaldo against 11 players they can't do anything.
"It's like that. Okay he's shining but it's his teammates are helping, but it's fantastic that he's showing his confidence is back."
Yanga were set to face second-placed Azam this Friday but the league has since been postponed when the COVID-19 virus surfaced in the country this week.
