AFTER stepping into the semifinals of the Azam Sports Federation Cup (ASFC), Singida Big Stars coach Hans Van Pluijm has hailed his players as Mbeya City trainer Mubiru Abdallah bemoaned the lack of creativity among his charges for a loss.
The Singida-based football giants made a breakthrough following a convincing 4-1 win at their Liti Stadium in Singida over the weekend thereby becoming the first side to enter into the last four.
A brace from Bruno Gomez and two contributions from Bright Adjei and Frank Kazadi propelled their side to the next phase while Eliud Ambokile converted the solitary goal for the visitors.
“We are happy to reach the semifinals because it was our priority. Now, we are going to prepare on how to succeed in the last four because in order to reach in the finals, we need to do well in the semifinals,” Pluijm said.
He added that they are ready to interface either Young Africans or Geita Gold who play in the last quarterfinals game at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
He also commented positively on his star Gomez saying he is capable to create chances and scoring goals.
On his part, Mubiru for Mbeya City conceded the defeat saying his players were not creative enough to make full use of the opportunities they created during the match.
“We had a couple of scoring chances, but we lacked creativity and this is where we need to work,” he insisted.
The other ASFC quarterfinal game was played late yesterday between Azam against Mtibwa Sugar at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.
On Friday, Simba will host Ihefu at Uhuru Stadium in the city before witnessing the defending champions Yanga play against Geita Gold on Saturday.
However, according to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Competitions Manager Baraka Kizuguto, Nangwanda Sijaona Stadium in Mtwara and Liti Stadium in Singida have been selected to host semifinal encounters.
On the other hand, he remarked that this year’s ASFC finals will be staged at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga.