Simba to miss two key players as they host Dodoma Jiji in Dar
Simba players train ahead of today’s Premier League match against Dodoma Jiji at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Simba, who are currently second with 54 points from 21 matches, have a chance to cut down the gap between them and the league leaders, Yanga, who sit at the top with 58 points from 22 matches.
Dar es Salaam. One of the football giants in the country, Simba, will today look to reduce the points gap between them and Young Africans (Yanga) as they face Dodoma Jiji FC in an exciting Premier League match at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.
The match is set to kick off at 4:15pm, with both teams eager to secure vital points.
Simba, who are currently second with 54 points from 21 matches, have a chance to cut down the gap between them and the league leaders, Yanga, who sit at the top with 58 points from 22 matches.
A victory for Simba would put them just one point behind the defending champions, intensifying the title race.
On the other hand, Dodoma Jiji FC, under the guidance of head coach Mecky Mexime, are also aiming for a win to boost their position in the league standings.
The Dodoma-based side are in eighth place with 27 points from 22 matches. A victory would take them to 30 points, allowing them to leapfrog Fountain Gate FC, who are currently in seventh place with 26 points from 23 matches.
Ahead of the encounter, Simba’s assistant coach, Seleman Matola, expressed confidence in his team's preparations despite missing key players. Notably, Che Malone Fondoh, a defender, and Moussa Camara, the goalkeeper, will both be absent from the match due to injury.
Che Malone sustained his injury during a 2-2 draw against Azam FC on February 26.
Since that match, he has been sidelined and, despite the club’s efforts to keep this information under wraps, it is clear that his absence will be extended for some time.
Matola admitted the challenges but stressed that the team’s morale remains high. “We have prepared well for this encounter, and our main target is to win and continue chasing the top position. The players are in high spirits and are ready to deliver their best,” said Matola.
Meanwhile, Dodoma Jiji FC head coach Mecky Mexime admitted the difficulty of the match but insisted his team was highly motivated to secure a positive result.
“We respect Simba, but we will do everything we can to secure a win and improve our position in the standings,” said Mexime. “This is a crucial match for us. We are confident our fans will provide strong support. We will not allow Simba to dominate us.”
The match promises to be an exciting and intense encounter, with both teams eager to secure a victory for their respective goals.
