New Simba coach faces first test in Premiership League
What you need to know:
- Tanzanian giants Simba SC appointed Algerian Abdelhak Benchikha their new head coach following the dismissal of Brazilian Roberto Oliveira alias Robertinho
Dar es Salaam. Simba SC new head coach Algerian Abdelhak Benchikha will today at 4pm be facing his first test in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League encounter against Kagera Sugar at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzanian giants Simba SC appointed Benchikha their new head coach following the dismissal of Brazilian Roberto Oliveira alias Robertinho. Benchikha resigned from USM Alger earlier this season, despite clinching a continental trophy.
Simba ended Oliveira's 18-month tenure after a disappointing African Super League elimination by Al Ahly of Egypt last month.
Already Benchikha has guided Simba in two CAF Champions League matches and managed to secure one point.
Benchikha’s first team internationally was against Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana at the Francistown’s Obed Itani Chilume Stadium and recorded a barren draw before losing 1-0 away to Wydad Club Athletic of Morocco at the Marrakesh Stadium.
Today’s match is important for both teams to win in the league in order to improve their chances in the league standings. Simba are placed fifth with 19 points from eight matches while Kagera Sugar are in the 12th slot after collecting 13 points from 11 matches.
Azam FC are at the top of the league table with 28 points from 12 matches while Young Africans (Yanga), who are the defending champions, are placed second with 24 points from nine matches.
Singida Fountain Gate FC are third with 20 points from 13 matches while Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) are fourth with 20 points from 13 matches.
“We hope to do our best in the encounter. It will be my first time to manage the technical bench in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League. I take the match as a catalyst for the CAF Champions League encounter against Wydad Club Athletic next Tuesday,” said Benchikha.
Kagera Sugar head coach Mecky Mexime said they are well prepared for the encounter and believes they are going to record a good result.
He stated that they are taking the encounter very seriously, quite knowing that they are facing a tough team.
