Azam FC have underlined their title ambitions by signing former France youth international Donovan Makoma, in what the Tanzanian club is billing as a key piece in a major squad overhaul ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The 27-year-old French midfielder arrives from Maltese Premier League side Birkirkara FC and becomes the Chamazi outfit’s seventh foreign acquisition of the window, as head coach Florent Ibenge rebuilds his team to challenge at home and in Africa.
Makoma brings significant European experience, having featured for RC Lens in France as well as English sides Barrow and Stevenage, plus spells at Biggleswade Town and Arras. As a teenager he also represented France at Under-16 level, sharing a dressing room with current stars Ousmane Dembele, Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano.
‘I’m really happy to be here’
Speaking after being officially presented by the club, Makoma said he was eager to begin a new chapter in his career and believes Azam’s ambitions match his own.
“I’m happy to join the team and the club,” Makoma said. “I met the coach, I saw the club, and everything is good. I’m really happy to be here.”
The move marks his first taste of African club football, a challenge he insists he is ready to embrace.
“This is my first time in Africa, and I hope I will achieve great things with the team. I came here because this is a very ambitious club, and I want to be part of that ambition.”
Makoma added that he aims to use his time in Europe to lift Azam to the next level.
“I’ve come here to bring all my experience and the qualities I have as a football player. I’m ready that’s why I came. I know this club wants to win titles, and I will do everything I can to help the team succeed and make everyone happy.”
Ibenge backed with sweeping squad rebuild
Makoma’s arrival extends an aggressive recruitment drive by Azam under Congolese head coach Ibenge, who has remained at the club despite reported interest from abroad.
The Tanzanian side have strengthened across the pitch, bringing in Belgian centre-back Henri Stanic, Congolese defender Lupini Dieumerci, Congolese winger Henoc Molia, Ugandan winger Hassan Mubiru, returning Ivorian wide man Kipre Junior and Sudanese international striker John Mano.
The volume and profile of the signings indicate a deliberate strategy to add international know-how and depth in every department, as Azam seek to close the gap on domestic rivals and assert themselves on the continental stage.
Eyes on league, cup and Africa
Having regularly been among the leading contenders in recent NBC Premier League campaigns, Azam are now seeking to turn promise into silverware.
The club have made clear that the revamped squad is being built to challenge for the NBC Premier League title and the CRDB Bank Federation Cup, while also mounting a serious push in CAF competitions.
With Makoma joining a mix of foreign recruits and local talent under Ibenge’s guidance, Azam believe they have assembled a group capable of competing at a higher level than in previous seasons.
The signing of a former France youth international who once lined up alongside some of Europe’s elite underscores the scale of Azam’s ambition and sends a clear message that the Chamazi club intend to be at the forefront of the fight for honours in 2026-27.
