Top Queens renew rivalries
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Women’s Premier League’s top four sides renew their rivalries in a mouth-watering round of fixtures, with defending champions Simba Queens taking on Mashujaa Queens and Yanga Princess face JKT Queens.
The four sides are no strangers to each other, having finished among the league’s top four last season before carrying their rivalry into the Community Shield, where Simba Queens emerged as the dominant force.
Simba Queens underlined their superiority by beating JKT Queens 1-0 in the final to lift the silverware, while Yanga Princess settled for bronze after overcoming Mashujaa Queens on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Prior the finale, Simba Queens dismantled Yanga Princess in the semi-finals, while JKT Queens edged Mashujaa Queens 1-0 to book their place in the final.
The Community Shield encounters have added another layer to the rivalry, with the four teams now eager to assert their authority in the league after making impressive starts to the new campaign.
After two rounds of matches, all four teams have collected six points from their opening fixtures, with Yanga Princess leading the standings on goal difference, followed by JKT Queens, Simba Queens and Mashujaa Queens.
With last season’s top four already setting the pace again, the latest fixtures offer an early opportunity for the sides to measure their strength against familiar rivals and strengthen their positions in the title race.
The four teams head into the matches with confidence, but their respective coaches have acknowledged the challenges ahead, promising competitive encounters as they seek maximum points.
The defending champions, Simba Queens, will lock horns with Mashujaa Queens at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam, while Yanga Princess face JKT Queens at KMC Stadium. Both fixtures promise intense encounters, with all four sides having made winning starts to the campaign.
Simba Queens edged Fountain Gate 1-0, Mashujaa Queens beat Kilimanjaro Wonders 2-1, while Yanga Princess and JKT Queens recorded identical 2-0 victories over Geita Queens and Bunda Girls respectively.
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Ahead of the match, Simba Queens assistant coach Abdul Nasir said his side had completed preparations and was ready to fight for all three points against Mashujaa Queens.
He acknowledged that league matches were becoming increasingly competitive but insisted his players were focused on achieving their targets.
“We have arrived safely and our preparations have gone well. We are ready for tomorrow’s match and our objective is to collect all three points. We know every opponent presents a difficult challenge, but we are prepared to fight,” Nasir said.
Mashujaa Queens coach Rajabu Bwamkuu said his team was equally prepared, having made a positive start to the campaign with six points from two away matches against Fountain and Kilimanjaro Wanderers.
He welcomed the return to home action at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium and called on supporters to turn up and rally behind the team, while acknowledging Simba’s strength.
Meanwhile, JKT Queens coach Azishi Kondo described their meeting with Yanga Princess as a difficult test, despite both teams having collected six points from their opening two matches.
Kondo acknowledged Yanga’s quality but expressed confidence in her players’ readiness, insisting they were prepared to compete for a positive result.
Yanga Princess coach Said Maulid also anticipated a demanding encounter, describing JKT as an experienced side with an impressive record in women’s football.
He noted that JKT had won the league title four times, the Community Shield twice and the CECAFA championship twice, making them a formidable opponent.
Maulid said Yanga had prepared adequately and would rely on tactical discipline to counter JKT’s strengths, while appealing to supporters to turn up and encourage the team.
