Simba SC face tough test today
Simba SC striker Laudit Mavugo beat Ndanda FC goalkeeper Jackson Chove (L) during the first match of the Tanzania Mainland Premier League held at the National Stadium in the city last week. Simba SC won 3-1. The team today face JKT Ruvu at the same venue. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
Simba SC prepare for tough test against highly-rated JKT Ruvu as Azam FC face Majimaji who last weel lost in their own backyard.
Dar es Salaam. Simba SC have a tough task at the National Stadium today as they come up against heavily armed and highly-rated JKT Ruvu, who are playing their first match in the new season of the Tanzania Mainland Vodacom Premier League.
Big guns Azam Football Club are also in action, and pitted against Majimaji of Ruvuma at the Azam Complex in the city.
The league roared into life last week, and continues today with more potentially explosive fixtures across the country.
Mbao FC will host Mwadui FC while Kagera Sugar will be on home ground playing Stand United today. The Mbeya-based Tanzania Prisons will meet Ruvu Shooting at the Sokoine Stadium.
All matches are set to be mouthwatering considering the revived hope among clubs of dethroning Young Africans, who have grabbed the title for two years in a row.
After their convincing 3-1 drubbing of Ndanda FC of Mtwara last week, Simba SC have reason to fight for a clean record as they being what they have described as their majorm comeback. So far, they have proved to be so good.
The Msimbazi Street side’s assistant coach Jackson Mayanja said their target is to dominate the league table till the end.
Mayanja said: “We know it will not be an easy task for us to win against JKT Ruvu. It is one of the strongest teams in the league. So, we are taking this encounter seriously.”
“All players are in top shape and ready to deliver, we have rectified all mistakes that occurred in the first match and believe we will win, our target is to collect three points and continue to dominate the league,” said the Simbab SC coach.
Burundian Laudit Mavugo, Ibrahim Ajibu, Fredrerick Blagnon, and Shiza Kichuya will be on the frontline. JKT Ruvu head coach Malale Hamsin said they were ready for the encounter.
“We are ready for the match, we know that Simba SC is a good team and there is high morale in their camp. But this is just the beginning of our league campaign. We also must win this match to start off our campaign well,” said Malale.
At the Azam Complex, last seaon’s league runners Azam FC face injured Majimaji who lost 0-1 at the hands of Tanzania Prisons in their backyard last week. They may be looking for something to smile about this time around. Azam FC were also held to a 1-1 draw against African Lyon. Anything short of victory may not augur well for them.
