SIMBA cross swords with host Tanzania Prisons today in an eagerly awaited Mainland Premier League clash at the Sokoine Memorial Stadium in Mbeya, while close competitors for the top seat will be on the lookout.
Four league matches will be on card today. Apart from Prisons versus Simba match, the day will see Majimaji play host to Mbao FC in a mid table battle at the Majimaji Stadium in Songea, while Stand United and Mwadui FC will battle it out at the Kambarage Stadium in Shinyanga.
The day will also see bottom placed Ruvu Shooting hunting for their first league win this season when they host Mtwara’s Ndanda FC at the Mabatini grounds in Mlandizi, Coast Region.
The league returns after two-week of international break, in which, the national soccer team, Taifa Stars travelled to Benin for an international friendly encounter against their host, The Squirrels at the Stade de l’Amitié (Stadium of Friendship) in Cotonou.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw last Saturday. Stars returned home early this week and immediately, players were dispatched to their respective clubs ready for this weekend’s league matches.
At the Sokoine Stadium, Simba will definitely be targeting a consecutive win in the Southern Highland city, after they picked a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Mbeya City in the previous game, with the lone winning goal scored by the tantalizing slippery winger Shiza Kichuya.
Simba need to win their game to maintain their stay at the top of the league table as their close competitors for the position Azam FC and rivals Young Africans will be in action tomorrow.
The Msimbazi Reds and Azam are tied on 19 points but they are separated on goal difference. Azam will be away from their Chamazi Complex in Dar es Salaam, as they will be travelling to Njombe region to face Njombe Mji at the Sabasaba stadium in Makambako.
Defending champions Yanga, who will face Mbeya City at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, are just two points adrift and this is what promises stiff battles for the top seat this weekend. Mtibwa Sugar placed fifth also with 17 points will not be on action until tomorrow against Kagera Sugar at the Manungu grounds in Turiani, Morogoro.
So far, Simba have rack up five wins from their nine league games and they will be targeting to keep up their great form this season by defeating their hosts Prisons, so as to maintain their grip on top seat.
However, earning victory will not be an easy task for Cameroonian Coach, Joseph Omog’s side due to an impressive home record their hosts have against Simba for several seasons. Tanzania Prisons baffled Simba last season, after winning 2-1.
Simba will rely on Kichuya, Emmanuel Okwi and Laudit Mavugo in the hunt of victory, whereas its defend must be careful in handling Prisons strikers led by Mohamed Rashid to ensure they bring no harm or any threat to their goalkeeper Aishi Manula.
Meanwhile, Singida United ended their five matches’ winless record, with a hard fought 1-0 over Lipuli FC of Iringa, in a closely contested league match at the Namfua Stadium in Singida yesterday.
Rwandan striker, Danny Usengimana’s 82nd minute strike earned the host a crucial victory, as they stepped up from sixth place to fourth on 17 points same as Yanga and Mtibwa Sugar. Singida United leapfrogged Mtibwa Sugar on goal difference advantage.
In another development, Mwanzabased Mbao FC Head Coach Etienne Ndairagije has assured his team’s supporters of good results when they face Majimaji today, reports Alexander Sanga from Mwanza.
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