Mainland Premier League kicks off with two matches
Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) head coach Marcio Maximo wearing a yellow T-shirt, gives instructions to players during a recent training session. PHOTO | COURTESY
Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) will host Dodoma Jiji FC at the KMC Complex from 4pm, while in Tanga, Coastal Union take on Tanzania Prisons at Mkwakwani Stadium from 7pm
Dar es Salaam. The Mainland Tanzania Premier League kicks off today with two exciting fixtures staged in different venues.
Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) will host Dodoma Jiji FC at the KMC Complex from 4pm, while in Tanga, Coastal Union take on Tanzania Prisons at Mkwakwani Stadium from 7pm. Both matches are crucial for the four sides, each determined to start the season on the right foot.
Beyond these openers, the new campaign promises fresh battles not only for the title currently held by Young Africans (Yanga), but also for individual accolades and top-four positions.
Records show that in the last time KMC faced Dodoma Jiji at the KMC Complex was on April 18, 2025, with the home side winning 2-1. Their recent head-to-head record shows both teams thrive at home, a statistic that slightly favors KMC. Still, Dodoma Jiji have the potential to break the pattern.
This will be Dodoma Jiji’s sixth season in the top flight, and only the second time they start away from home. Their first away opener was last season, when they lost 1-0 to Mashujaa. In their first five openers, Dodoma Jiji won three and lost two, with no draws.
Both clubs have made significant improvements during the off-season, including their technical benches. KMC are under the guidance of Brazilian coach Marcio Maximo, while Rwandan tactician Vincent Mashami leads Dodoma Jiji.
Maximo expressed confidence ahead of the clash: “This is a crucial starting match, and we need to play with full intensity to win it.
Dodoma Jiji are a strong team with quality players and good experience, but our preparations give us confidence for a strong start.” Mashami, meanwhile, remained optimistic: “Playing away is never easy, and our record in openers hasn’t been great. But this time we are determined to change that. Collecting points early builds belief and helps you achieve your season targets.”
Coastal Union vs Tanzania Prisons
The second fixture of the day sees Coastal Union welcome Tanzania Prisons in Tanga. Their last league meeting was on May 12, 2025, when Prisons secured a 2-1 win in Mbeya. At Mkwakwani, their most recent encounter ended in a 0-0 draw in May 2024.
Last season, Coastal Union temporarily shifted their home matches to Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha, where they beat Tanzania Prisons 2-1, before returning to Mkwakwani after renovations.
Head-to-head in the last five matches, Coastal Union have the upper hand with three wins, one draw, and one defeat. However, a recent pre-season friendly between the two sides ended evenly.
