Phiri sets sights on VPL crown

Dar es Salaam. Coach Patrick Phiri is confident Simba have assembled a squad capable of winning the Mainland Premier League this season.

The Msimbazi Reds drafted in a number of vastly experienced players during the transfer market, including Ugandan striker Emmanuel Okwi, Raphael Kiongera from Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Burundian Pierre Kwizera.

Phiri, however, understands all too well each of the other leading sides have also strengthened their squads, while their traditional foes Young Africans are expected to recover and challenge again under new tactician Marcio Maximo.

On Sunday, Yanga sounded a warning note to their next opponents in the league with a 3-0 win against reigning Mainland champions Azam FC in the Community Shield match at the National Stadium.

“There were good teams last season and there will be better teams this season because everyone is investing,” the Zambian said.

He added: “Why I like the Mainland Premier League so much is that at this moment, nobody knows who is going to win the title. A few years ago, the battle for the title was between Simba and Yanga.

“I know that we want to emerge Mainland champions this season I know that we can, but it is the kind of competition where I can’t say.”

Last season, the title race involved Azam FC, Mbeya City, Simba, Yanga and Kagera Sugar who, surprisingly, lost steam a few days before topflight climaxed.

Phiri assured Simba fans that he has addressed the weaknesses he noted during their last pre-season friendly against Uganda’s URA, which they lost 1-0.

Simba, now camping in Zanzibar, have played a number of friendly matches ahead of the new season.

Earlier this month, they gave their fans something to smile about when they thrashed visiting Gor Mahia from Kenya 3-0 at the National Stadium.

Simba have gone three years with no trophy and have vowed to restore their dented pride by wresting the league from the Ice-cream makers this season. It remains to be seen if they will really achieve the mission.

The Mainland champions represent the country in the Africa Champions League and the Cecafa Kagame Cup.

while the runners up compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.