DAR ES SALAAM: AZAM FC have underlined the importance of friendly matches in fine-tuning their squad before the resumption of the Mainland Premier League (PL).
They are set to play third friendly today against JKT Tanzania, a match designed to prepare them for their upcoming league fixture against KenGold.
So far, Azam has played two friendlies, securing a win against Pan Africa before suffering a 4-2 defeat to KMC at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam.
Azam FC’s Head of Information and Communication, Zakaria Thabit, highlighted the significance of these friendlies, stating that they play a crucial role in a team’s development by providing a platform to assess performance, build cohesion and refine tactical strategies.
“These matches, though not part of official competitions, help sharpen skills, test new formations and identify areas that need improvement. Unlike training sessions, which take place in a controlled environment, friendly matches simulate real-game conditions, allowing coaches to evaluate individual and collective performances more effectively,” Thabit explained.
He added that analysing these matches helps the coaching staff pinpoint tactical flaws, fitness concerns and coordination issues that need to be addressed before competitive action resumes.
On the other hand, JKT Tanzania’s Head of Communications, Masau Bwire, emphasised the benefits of friendly matches for player development.
He noted that in competitive leagues, coaches often stick to their best-performing players, leaving limited opportunities for experimentation.
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“It’s true that our initial goal was to win the league title, but at this stage, that’s no longer feasible. Instead, we are now focused on finishing in the top four to secure a spot in international competitions,” Bwire stated.
With both teams using the friendlies as preparation, today’s match is expected to offer valuable insights ahead of the league’s return.
