Title chase, relegation battle continue as Mainland Premier league rolls on

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Mainland Premier League 2024/2025 continues in eight different venues whereby all 16 teams will be in action on June 18, 2025 from 4pm.

With only two games remaining for most teams, June 18, 2025’s fixtures promise high-stakes football, where every point could be the difference between glory and despair.

The spotlight will firmly be on three critical matches where league leaders and relegation-threatened clubs clash with their seasons hanging in the balance.

Yanga target victory in Mbeya to maintain title lead

At Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya, reigning champions Young Africans (Yanga) will be hosted by Tanzania Prisons in a high-stakes match with both teams eyeing all three points for very different reasons.

Yanga, who lead the standings with 73 points from 27 matches, are aiming to defend their title for a fourth consecutive season. A win today would help them maintain their slim lead over arch rivals Simba SC, who trail by just a single point.

Meanwhile, Tanzania Prisons are desperate for points to escape the relegation playoff zone. Sitting 13th on the table with 30 points, the Mbeya-based outfit must avoid defeat to improve their chances of survival. Having lost 4-0 to Yanga in the first leg, they’ll be looking for redemption on home turf.

Simba seek to capitalize against relegated KenGold

At Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium in Tabora, second-placed Simba SC face already relegated KenGold FC. Simba enter the match with 72 points and have no room for error as they chase Yanga for the title.

Despite KenGold’s confirmed relegation, Simba head coach Fadlu Davids has warned against complacency, noting that their opponents played well in the first leg, which Simba won 2-0. Davids stressed that maintaining focus is crucial as the title race goes down to the wire.

Coastal Union and Fountain Gate in do-or-die relegation duel

A potentially season-defining relegation battle will unfold at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga, where 10th-placed Coastal Union (31 points) host 14th-placed Fountain Gate FC (29 points). A win for the home side will move them further away from the playoff threat, while defeat for Fountain Gate could seal their fate.

Fountain Gate, with just one win in their last five matches, are in critical condition and must collect all three points. Coach Joseph Lazaro of Coastal emphasized the importance of the game, saying every team is fighting for its life at this stage.

Azam FC eye revenge over Tabora United

Over at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, third-placed Azam FC will host Tabora United in a clash with a score to settle. Azam lost 2-1 in the first leg and are determined to avenge that result.

With 57 points, Azam have already secured a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, but they are looking to finish strong, especially in their final home game of the season. Coach Rachid Taousi confirmed that his side is fully prepared, noting that the international break gave injured players time to recover.

Tabora United, fifth with 37 points, are playing for pride and momentum as they try to finish in the top half of the table.

Dodoma Jiji FC against Singida BS: Battle for pride and position

At Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma, the home team Dodoma Jiji (34 points) will welcome fourth-placed Singida Black Stars (53 points).

While Dodoma aim to solidify their mid-table status, Singida have already booked their ticket for continental football and are focused on finishing the season on a high.

Both teams have relatively little pressure but are determined to play for honor and fans.

Namungo host relegated Kagera Sugar in must-win clash

Namungo FC, currently in 11th place with 31 points, will face relegated Kagera Sugar at Majaliwa Stadium in Lindi. Although Kagera have nothing to play for, Namungo must win to steer clear of the danger zone.

Coach Juma Mgunda knows the stakes and has urged his players to give their all. On the other hand, Kagera coach Juma Kaseja has vowed to fight despite their demotion, stating that his players must finish with dignity.

Pamba Jiji FC in survival Mission against JKT Tanzania

CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza will witness a crucial relegation scrap as 12th-placed Pamba Jiji (30 points) face 6th-placed JKT Tanzania (35 points).

Pamba need a win to move out of danger and possibly rise as high as 10th, depending on other results.

Coach Fred Felix Minziro called the match a "final," saying his team is ready to battle one of the league’s most structured sides. JKT, meanwhile, are looking to climb to fifth should Tabora slip up.

Mashujaa FC and KMC lock horns in mid-table deadlock

In Kigoma at Lake Tanganyika Stadium, Mashujaa FC and KMC FC will face off in a mid-table clash. Both teams sit on 33 points and are relatively safe, but the match could determine who finishes higher.

For Mashujaa, a home win could see them climb as high as 6th. KMC, however, could leapfrog their hosts with a positive result, making this a competitive fixture despite the absence of relegation or title implications.

Final word

As the Mainland Premier League enters the penultimate round, the intensity is undeniable. Whether it’s the fight for the championship, the scramble for continental qualification, or the desperate bid to avoid relegation, today’s fixtures are set to shape the destiny of many clubs.

With all matches kicking off simultaneously at 4pm, fans across the nation will be glued to their screens and radios as the drama unfolds. The margins are razor-thin—and history could be made by sunset.