Simba seek CAF Champions League spot in Pamba Jiji tie
Simba players train at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam ahead of their Mainland Tanzania Premier League match against Pamba Jiji FC. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 4.15pm, with both teams eyeing maximum points to enhance their positions in the league standings as the season nears its conclusion
Dar es Salaam. One of the football giant in the country, Simba SC, will today face Pamba Jiji FC in a crucial Mainland Tanzania Premier League match at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.
The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 4.15pm, with both teams eyeing maximum points to enhance their positions in the league standings as the season nears its conclusion.
Simba SC, known for their consistent dominance in Tanzanian football, currently sit second in the table with 63 points from 24 matches.
A victory today would lift them to 66 points, narrowing the gap between them and their traditional rivals, Young Africans (Yanga), to just four points. Yanga are leading the race with 70 points after playing 26 matches.
Beyond narrowing the point difference with Yanga, today’s match is also crucial for Simba’s ambition to secure an early qualification to the CAF Champions League for the upcoming season. With 66 points, a win would make it mathematically impossible for Azam FC and Singida Black Stars to overtake them, even if those teams were to win all of their remaining fixtures. For Pamba Jiji FC, the stakes are just as high—but for different reasons. They are locked in a battle to avoid relegation and are currently positioned 13th with 27 points from 26 matches. A win today would be a huge boost in their efforts to move away from the danger zone and secure safety before the season ends. Simba’s assistant coach, Seleman Matola, emphasized that the team is taking every game seriously, especially in the final stretch of the season. He stressed that underestimating opponents could prove costly.
“We do not underestimate Pamba Jiji FC. We have to remain focused and continue chasing the top spot. The only way to achieve our goal is to keep winning,” said Matola.
On the other hand, Pamba Jiji FC’s head coach, Fred Felix Minziro, expressed confidence in his squad’s preparations and determination. Despite facing one of the league’s strongest sides, Minziro believes in his players’ ability to compete and deliver a strong performance.
“We’re going up against a very strong team, but we’ve worked hard in training. We’re heading into this match with determination. I trust my players to rise to the occasion,” said Minziro. He also highlighted the importance of tactical discipline and focus, especially against a team like Simba that boasts speed and creativity in attack.
“We’ll aim to be aggressive from the start while keeping our defense well-organized. Simba have fast and dangerous attackers, so it’s important we remain calm and stick to our game plan,” he added.
With both teams fighting for critical points—Simba for the title race and Pamba for survival—the match promises to be a tightly contested and exciting affair.
