EDITORIAL: May the best team win premier league title
The 2014/15 Vodacom Premier League season kicks-off today as clubs begin the race for the title, African championships tickets and the fight against relegation.
All 14 teams will be in action this weekend in what promises to be one of the most dramatic seasons, with a host of clubs looking strong enough to contend for top spots.
The transfer window closed just recently and all clubs were active in the market, trying to bolster their ranks. Ndanda FC, Stand FC and Police Moro are the league’s newcomers. They face a baptism of fire but, judging by their preparatory games, they appear psyched up and raring to take the bull by the horns.
The talent is immense. Foreign players spice up the league, but we challenge home-grown players to work at upstaging their glorified teammates.
Recent seasons have been blighted by match-fixing claims and superstitious beliefs--which deny the league the excitement it deserves. The league mirrors the nation’s football standards and if clubs shun these tendencies, we will certainly have a classic season.
With even small teams earning millions of shillings from sponsors, there is reason to believe that loaded clubs will find it difficult to use this advantage to win games.
It is also of utmost importance that referees observe the 17 football rules. Fair refereeing is all we ask for. Yes, it is difficult for them to get all decisions right, but this should not be an excuse to officiate in favour of the big sides.
The Tanzania Football Federation must be merciless and take tough action against corrupt or incompetent referees. That will help make the league competitive. The rise in the level of competition affects the national team’s performance positively.
