Simba seek redemption after Fountain Gate draw
Simba players Ladaki Chasambi and goalkeeper Ally Salim vie for the ball during a training session. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The league continues with three matches scheduled across different venues.
Dar es Salaam. After a 1-1 draw against Fountain Gate FC, one of Tanzania’s football giants, Simba aim to return to winning ways today as they face Tanzania Prisons in the Mainland Premier League.
The league continues with three matches scheduled across different venues.
Apart from Simba’s encounter, Mashujaa FC will take on Coastal Union FC at 4pm at Lake Tanganyika Stadium in Kigoma.
Later, at 7pm, Kagera Sugar will host Tabora United at Kaitaba Stadium in Kagera.
The matches are crucial, as all six teams seek victory to improve their standings in the league. In the title race, Simba, currently second with 44 points, need a win to maintain pressure at the top.
Meanwhile, Tanzania Prisons, fighting to escape the relegation zone, sit 14th with 17 points from 17 matches.
The Mbeya-based side have gained momentum, winning their last two matches—1-0 against Pamba Jiji FC and 2-1 against Mashujaa FC.
The results set the stage for a tough battle, as Tanzania Prisons aim for revenge after losing 1-0 in the first-round match in Mbeya.
Tanzania Prisons head coach Amani Josiah remains optimistic about his team’s chances.
"The good thing is that we have no injuries among the players who started the second round.
The entire squad that played against Mashujaa is fit, and those who lacked licenses have now received them. This gives us confidence for the match," said Josiah.
For Simba, South African tactician Fadlu Davids sees this match as an opportunity to rectify the mistakes that led to their recent 1-1 draw against Fountain Gate FC.
Determined to reclaim the top spot in the league standings, Fadlu admits the challenge ahead.
"We are facing a tough opponent with a new technical bench, unlike in the first round, so we must be well-prepared," he said.
He emphasized that Simba will stick to their attacking strategy, aiming to score early goals.
"My players are ready for this match. Tanzania Prisons is a tough team, and they now have a new coach with different tactics," he said.
