Azam FC midfielder Frank Domayo shoots between Mbeya City defenders during their past league match at the Azam Complex. They drew 1-1. PHOTO|FILE
What you need to know:
The Chamazi-based team goes to the game with a superior mental state having won all their three Vodacom Premier League matches.
Dar es Salaam. Azam FC face an acid test when they clash with Mbeya City at the Azam Complex today.
The Chamazi-based team goes to the game with a superior mental state having won all their three Vodacom Premier League matches.
The Juma Mwambusi-coached outfit has not had the best start to the premiership after losing two matches and winning one. They sit ninth in the 16-team log.
Azam were joint leaders with defending champions Young Africans, Mtibwa Sugar and Simba SC before yesterday’s matches. Azam head coach Stewart Hall admitted facing a stern test when they take on with Mbeya City, but still nursed hopes of bagging maximum points.
According to him, his boys were mentally prepared for the match, stressing that they would be all out for victory.
“We need to continue getting three points week in week out. It is by doing so that we can realize our goal of winning this year’s league,” said the Briton who guided Azam to their maiden Cecafa Kagame Cup title last month.
Hall will be relying on the likes of Didier Kavumbagu, Kipre Tchetche, John Bocco and Allan Wanga for goals.
Mwambusi also bragged that they have worked on weaknesses that lead to a 1-0 loss to city rivals Tanzania Prisons last week, promising to recover at the expense of Azam.
“We haven’t made the best start to the league this year. We have lost two games at home and honestly we are unimpressed by our home form. Nonetheless, I am confident that the boys have what it takes to bounce back on Sunday (today),” he said.
“We have worked on some technical shortcomings and my players have responded quite well. Azam are a strong opponent, so it won’t be easy downing them, but we have the will and determination to take the points at stake.”
Apart from the Azam-Mbeya City match, African Sports, who have yet win a point after three rounds, welcome Ndanda FC at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga.
The home team will be looking to kick start their first season in the topflight league by beating the Mtwara outfit. Ndanda sit sixth with four points.
