Deadly combination: Yanga players Didier Kavumbagu (left), Haruna Niyonzima (centre) and Hamis Kiiza celebrate during a past match. The trio are expected to lead the defending champions against Ashanti United at the National Stadium today. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
The league, which went on a break on November 3, 2013 after 13 fixtures, will see Yanga, Azam, City, Coastal Union kicking off the second round in different venues
Dar es Salaam. Precious points will be at stake as the second round of the Vodacom Premier League resumes today at five different stadia.
The league, which went on a break on November 3, 2013 after 13 fixtures, will see all top guns Young Africans (Yanga), Azam and Mbeya City in action.
Yanga, who top the log with 28 points, will be looking to protect their lead when they meet Ashanti United at the National Stadium.
Azam FC and Mbeya City, who are neck-and-neck in the title race with 27 points, go head-to-head against Mtibwa Sugar and Kagera Sugar at Chamazi and Kaitaba venues respectively.
At Sokoine Stadium, Tanzania Prisons welcome Ruvu Shooting while Coastal Union, who pitched camp in Oman, will be trying to prove a point when they host JKT Oljoro at Mkwakwani. However, the match generating a lot of interest will be at the National Stadium where Yanga, just back from a two-week training stint in Turkey, will be pressed to show the value of their trip to Europe. Just less than a fortnight the Yanga head coach, Hans Van Der Plyum is already looking forward to helping Yanga retain the title and has charged his players to go into the second round a lot more aggressive.
“I am happy with the squad I have…we had fantastic preparations in Turkey, so I am confident that Yanga will be more aggressive and march on to the title,” said the Dutchman.
Yanga head into the match with memories of a 5-1 win over Ashanti last August, but it definitely will not be a walk in the park this time around. Ashanti have reinforced their squad with several big name signings and head coach Abdallah Kibadeni “King Mputa” has issued a warning to opponents.
“It will be a thrilling round, but considering the changes that have taken place at Ashanti, Yanga and other sides should get ready for upsets,” said Kibadeni, who joined the Ilala side, after getting the boot at Simba.
Should Yanga draw or lose and Azam, and Mbeya City register victories, they will fall to the third spot.
The Msimbazi Street giants, siting fourth and four points adrift of city rivals Yanga, are on the sidelines until tomorrow when they do battle against Rhino Rangers at the National Stadium.
