Classy Simba on the brink of the Premier League title

Dar es Salaam. Striker Meddie Kagere took his goal tally for the 2018/19 season to 22 with a quick-fire double as runaway leaders Simba beat Ndanda FC 2-0 yesterday.

Simba were labouring to break down the visitors before Kagere, who was firing on all cylinders, effectively sealed the tie with goals in the fifth and 11th minutes at the Uhuru Stadium.

Ndanda had proved stubborn opposition until a John Bocco pass found Kagere, who slid in to prod the ball home.

The Msimbazi Reds now remain unruffled at the summit of the league table with 88 points from 35 outings, five points clear of second-placed Young Africans.

They will be confirmed as Mainland champions if they beat Singida United tomorrow at Namfua Stadium in Singida.

A win against Singida United would see the Msimbazi Street giants hit a 91-point mark, which is beyond reach for other teams, including Yanga.

Kagere said he was happy to give the Msimbazi Reds the victory they needed to take a giant stride towards the title.

“Yeah, for sure, 100 per cent,” he said when asked if team honours meant more than personal glory.

Yanga, who have 83 points from 36 games, are on the sidelines until Wednesday when they face a tricky home clash against Mbeya City.

Mwinyi Zahera’s men will wind up their top flight campaign against Azam FC at the Uhuru Stadium on May 28.

Should Simba retain the title, which is highly likely at the moment, they will have yet another opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the big names in African football.

This year, they reached the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League.

“It’s a very special season for us,” said Simba head coach Patrick Aussems after yesterday’s match.

At the other end of the 20-team league table, 11 teams are locked up in a battle against relegation.

Three teams will come under the guillotine when the elite league comes to a close on May 28, and already one of them – African Lyon – has faced that harsh reality.

Unless something truly remarkable happens, Biashara United and Mwadui FC will soon be preparing for life in the First Division League.

Struggling Mwadui are at the bottom of the league with only 38 points from as many games, two points behind Biashara United.

The other relegation-haunted teams with points they have so far amassed in bracket are Singida United (45), Stand United (44) and Alliance FC (44), Coastal Union (44).

Also on the list are Mbao FC (44), Tanzania Prisons (43), Kagera Sugar (43), Ruvu Shooting (42) and JKT Tanzania (41).