Justice Figuaredo set for Young Africans move as two-year deal nears completion

Young Africans are close to completing the signing of Chippa United forward Justice Figuereido, with the Eswatini international expected to travel to Tanzania on Sunday to finalise a two-year contract.

The Tanzanian champions have reached a club-to-club agreement with Chippa United and have already settled personal terms with the 27-year-old, according to sources at the South African side.

“The deal is basically done, because there’s a club-to-club agreement in place and Figueredo already agreed to the personal terms,” a Chippa United insider told Soccer Laduma.

Transfer driven by new Yanga coach Mngqithi

Young Africans’ move for Figuereido has gathered pace since South African coach Manqoba Mngqithi was appointed as head coach of the Dar es Salaam club.

Reports in South Africa recently revealed Yanga’s interest in the forward after Mngqithi took charge, and the Swazi attacker has emerged as one of the new manager’s key targets as he reshapes the squad.

Mngqithi is understood to view Figuereido as an important addition as he aims to assemble a team capable of competing with the continent’s strongest sides in the CAF Champions League.

Short stay at Chippa after Richards Bay spell

Figuereido joined Chippa United only last season, moving from Richards Bay ahead of the current campaign, but now appears set for another change of club after just one year with the Gqeberha-based outfit.

During his time with the Chilli Boys, he has made 28 appearances in all competitions. Before that, he played 52 matches for Richards Bay, establishing himself in South African domestic football and earning a move to Chippa.

The forward, who will soon turn 28, will be leaving South Africa again if the proposed switch to Tanzania is finalised in the coming days.

Yanga’s ambitions on continental stage

Young Africans, known as Timu Ya Wananchi, have been active in the market as they look to build on recent domestic success and make further progress in CAF competition.

The capture of Figuereido would add international experience and attacking depth to Mngqithi’s squad as they prepare for another campaign aiming to challenge Africa’s leading clubs in the CAF Champions League.

While no financial details of the transfer have been disclosed, all parties are understood to be awaiting only the formalities of the player’s arrival in Tanzania and the signing of documents for the move to be confirmed.