Yanga fire warning to rivals

YOUNG Africans Assistant Coach, Shadrack Nsajigwa has fired warning to rivals, saying his charges have found rhythm in race to defend their Mainland Premier League title

Nsajigwa said shortly after a resounding 5-0 over Mbeya City at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday that the victory was a perfect response after several setbacks.

Zambian striker Aubrey Chirwa scored a hat-trick and Emmanuel Martin netted a brace as Yanga produced their best performance of the season. Chirwa and Martin scored a goal each in the first half, before the Zambian netted twice in the second half, as the latter scored once.

The otherwise, predicted tough Mainland Premier League encounter become a relatively push over for Yanga, as Mbeya City fell short away from home. Yanga secured crucial win which moves them to two-points behind league leaders Simba SC, who sit top on 22 points, same as Azam FC, who snatched a hard fought 1-0 win away at Njombe Mji yesterday but Simba are ahead on goal difference advantage.

Nsajigwa praised his players for a good display, saying they followed instructions. “Our target is to continue winning matches as they come to attain our objectives and I think we’re improving and changing something,” he said.

Skipper Nadir Haroub said, “I respect Mbeya City, they are a good team but we really outplayed them today. We took our chances and our precision from defence to attack was perfect.” Yanga is looking to have found a new balance and solidity, after losing several key players including Simon Msuva and Haruna Niyonzima.

They have also been without leading goal scorer for the past few seasons, Amissi Tambwe, who is nursing injuries. The Burundian has not been involved for this season, while Zimbabwean duo of striker, Donald Ngoma and box to box midfielder, Thaban Kamusoko, who are also struggling with injuries.

However, in their absence, Zambian striker Aubreay Chirwa has found rhythm with new recruits Ibrahim Ajib, Pius Buswita and Raphael Daud. Emmanuel Martin and Geoffrey Mwashiuya are also providing perfect solidity from the flanks.

On his side, Mbeya City Coach, Nsanzurwimo Ramadhani conceded the defeat, saying his team was pathetic. “We were not at our best but I never thought that we will lose for such a big margin...I take responsibility for this shameful defeat,” said Ramadhan.

Meanwhile, Chirwa has fired a warning to Yanga’s rivals, insisting he will not let his foot off the gas. He also sound warning to Golden Boot rivals that they are up for a real challenge. Chirwa has now banged in six goals from nine matches, two adrift top scorer, Emmanuel Okwi of Simba, who has scored eight from eight matches.

Tanzania Prisons striker, Mohamed Rashid has also netted six goals so far, while Yanga’s Ibrahim Ajib, Shiza Kichuya of Simba and Habibu Kiyombo of Mbao FC have scored five goals each.

The country’s football giants Simba, Yanga and Azam closed their round ten of the Mainland Premier League campaign over the weekend with shared fortunes. All the three teams won their respective matches, promising further tight battle for top seat, which will culminate with a coveted trophy at the end of the season.