Mkude: Title rivals will flop

Dar es Salaam. Simba SC are confident that they can secure Premier League title this season despite pressure from defending champions Young Africans and Azam FC.

The Msimbazi Reds are at the top of the table with 57 points followed by Yanga and Azam who tie on 50 points.

But the Jangwani based club and Azam FC have played two less matches than the league leaders and can go top if they win their rescheduled games.

Simba assistant captain Jonas Mkude said yesterday that they were “hungry” for silverware and that they can now see light at the end of the tunnel.

With Azam and Yanga forced to play six matches in just over two weeks, Mkude believes that the hyped rivals will drop points and throw the title race wide open.

“Yes, we have played more games than them, but I believe that with the nightmare fixture list they are facing, they will definitely drop points and that will be a big advantage for us,” said combative midfielder.

“Our goal is to win the title this season because we haven’t laid our hands on the trophy for three seasons now. This is our time and we are really praying for them to slip up.”

Simba last won the league in the 2011/12 season. It was their 18th premiership.

The midfielder added that, the morale of each player was high as they prepare for the remaining six matches that will define their season. Simba will travel to Songea on April 2 for the match against Majimaji FC who would be out to ensure their league stay.