It’s a perfect start for Mayanja

Dar es Salaam. Ugandan technician Jackson Mayanja got off to a promising start as Simba Sports Club coach after his side secured a 1-0 victory against Mtibwa Sugar in a thrilling Vodacom Premier League match played at the National Stadium yesterday.

But it was a different tale for famous technician Abdallah ‘King Mputa’ Kibadeni whose boys suffered a humiliating 5-1 loss against Mgambo Shooting at the Karume Memorial Stadium.

Mayanja joined Simba SC about a week ago as assistant coach before the club leadership declared him interim head coach after terminating their contract with Briton technician, Dylan Kerr.

Granted, the Ugandan technician has one of the toughest assignments in the local football league considering his paymasters’ penchant for hiring and firing coaches, especially when the team’s chips are down.

Before Kerr, Simba SC leadership kicked out Goran Kopunovic, Patrick Phiri, Patrick Liewig Zdravko Logarusic and Abdallah Kibadeni.

One would have forgiven the under-pressure Ugandan for a slip yesterday, but he defied the odds and delivered what the expectant thousands of Simba fans desperately needed.

Khamis Kiiza’s opening strike in the fifth minute sent the Msimbazi fans into a frenzy and sparked a fire that turned the match into a thrilling encounter.

Kiiza made the best use of a cross from Mohamed ‘Tshabalala’ Hussein, who played well with Mwinyi Kazimoto and Ibrahim Ajibu.

But elsewhere, Mtibwa Sugar struggled to equalise, with most of their efforts to stay in the game frustrated.

Simba SC now has 30 points to remain in the third position after playing 14 matches. Mtibwa Sugar remain at four with 27 points from 14 matches.

Mayanja congratulated his players for the victory, and promised to exorcise the demons that attempted to show up in the match.

“We have spent a few days in training, I am happy to say that the players know what they are doing. We will do the best in the remaining matches,” said Mayanja.

Elsewhere, Salim Gilla of Mgambo Shooting recorded his first hat-trick in a 5-1 win over JKT Ruvu at the Karume Memorial Stadium.

Gilla’s best record made him to reach four goals this season. Other goals for Mgambo Shooting were from Ally Nassoro and Bolly Shaibu. Ruvu’s consolation goal was from Samuel Kamuntu. Mgambo Shooting head coach, Bakari Shime said his team had played well, and believe they will maintain the same spirit in the following matches. Coastal Union drew 1-1 against Majimaji while Standa United won 1-0 against Kagera Sugar.