UNION CUP: Simba, Singida face Zanzibar test
ZANZIBAR: MAINLAND sides Simba SC and Singida Black Stars will face Zanzibar opposition Mafunzo and Mlandege FC, respectively, today in the knock-out stage matches of the Union Cup at the New Amaan Complex.
The annual competition, featuring eight teams, four from Tanzania Mainland and four from Zanzibar, is held to commemorate the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar on April 26. All matches are being played at the same venue. The day’s fixtures see Singida Black Stars take on Mlandege FC at 4:15 pm, before Simba face Mafunzo FC at 8:15 pm. Semi-final spots are at stake.
In earlier matches, Young Africans SC beat Muembe Makumbi City 4-0 on Tuesday, while Azam FC were scheduled to play KVZ FC later yesterday. Simba Head Coach Steve Barker spoke yesterday as the team departed from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, noting that the Union Cup provides an important break from the busy league schedule, adding that their objective, like other contenders, is to win the title.
“We have several objectives. First and foremost, we want to win the tournament. It’s also a good opportunity to take a break from league matches and fully focus on the tournament,” he said.
Barker added that such competitions provide valuable playing time for those who have not been regular starters, as well as youth players, while also helping the team prepare for upcoming league games.
“At the same time, it allows us to rotate the squad, give opportunities to players who haven’t had many minutes, and also provide a platform for some of our younger players to showcase their talent.
“It’s part of our preparation for upcoming league matches, and as I mentioned, it’s a chance to give younger players valuable game time. We have clear objectives we want to achieve, but ultimately, as Simba Sports Club, our mentality is to win every match we play. We are going there intending to bring the trophy to Dar es Salaam,” he said.
Mafunzo FC Assistant Coach Haji Mwambe said the team is well prepared to face Simba SC in today’s Union Cup clash, stressing that they will approach the match with respect while aiming to give their best.
“We are well prepared to face Simba. It’s a big team, so we will enter the match with utmost respect and give our best,” he said.
Mwambe added that his side had studied Simba’s recent performances and believes their opponents may not be fully familiar with Mafunzo’s style of play, which could work to their advantage as they target a place in the next stage of the competition.
“We have watched Simba playing, and I believe they are not fully aware of our side, and that could be our advantage. We need to win to advance to the next stage of the competition,” he noted.
He further emphasised that the fixture presents an important opportunity for his players, particularly the younger ones, to gain experience and showcase their talent against one of the country’s most decorated teams.
Singida Black Stars Head Coach Muhibu Kanu also spoke to the Press during the pre-match interview against Mlandege FC, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
He said the opponents are not an easy side and emphasised that his team will approach the match with caution, aiming to give their best and secure a win.
“We have had the chance to analyse our opponents and understand their style of play. We are going into the game carefully, not assuming we will win. This is football, and we have 90 minutes to prove ourselves,” he said.
He also confirmed that the team travelled with a squad of 30 players, with 27 from the senior team and three from the youth side, but confirmed the absence of two strikers, Elvis Rupia and Joseph Guede, and midfielder Marouf Tchakei.
“They have also analysed us, identified our strengths and weaknesses, and prepared accordingly. We expect a tough match,” he added.
Mlandege Head Coach Mohamed Abdallah said his team is ready for the challenge with enough respect for their opponent.
“We respect Singida, but our preparation and experience will carry us through,” he said, adding that he has a full squad available.
