DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans interim coach Simon Dladla has commended his side’s recent form, highlighting their improved goalscoring ability, creativity and control of matches since taking charge of the team.

He made the remarks after Yanga thrashed Kagera Sugar 4-0 at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, extending Dladla’s winning start to two matches since his appointment.

The emphatic victory comes after a difficult spell in which Yanga dropped points in their previous two matches, a run that culminated in the departure of their former head coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

The result leaves Yanga second in the league standings with 25 points from 10 matches, two points behind leaders Simba, who have a game in hand scheduled for later today.

Dladla was particularly pleased with the manner in which his players controlled the encounter, although he admitted that they could have added to their four-goal tally had they been more clinical in front of goal.

“I like to believe that we controlled the match from the first minute to the last minute. I am happy with the fact that we scored the goals, but we still missed some very easy chances,” he said.

“However, what makes me even happier is that we are creating those chances.”

Despite his satisfaction with the team’s attacking display, Dladla acknowledged that his players still need to improve their finishing after wasting several clear opportunities.

He admitted that some of the missed chances were difficult to explain but maintained that the team’s ability to consistently create scoring opportunities was an encouraging sign.

“I wish I could get into their minds because some of these chances are so easy. But what makes me happy is that we are creating these chances,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kagera Sugar coach Cedric Kaze acknowledged his side’s shortcomings but insisted there were positives to take from the performance despite the heavy defeat.

Kaze described the encounter as a difficult one against a big team, but was encouraged by his players’ attempts to build attacks from the back.

However, he pointed to their inability to retain possession in the final third, citing poor accuracy and a lack of sufficient numbers in attacking positions.

The Kagera coach also suggested that the team’s position in the league had affected the players’ confidence, although he remained optimistic that they could build on the positives from the performance.

More concerning for Kaze is his side’s defensive record, having conceded goals in 11 consecutive matches.

He admitted that the problem required serious reflection, identifying careless losses of possession as one of the main reasons behind their defensive vulnerability.

According to Kaze, losing the ball too easily allows opponents to launch quick transitions, leaving his players exposed and highlighting the need for greater concentration and alertness.