Coaches gauge performance

TANZANIA: Simba SC and Azam FC coaches have shared their thoughts following their intense battle for the second place in the Mainland Premier League which ended on Monday.

Despite both teams finishing level on points, accumulating 69 points each, Azam managed to secure the second spot in the standings due to their superior goal difference, boasting a four-goal advantage.

Following that the ice cream makers will play a CAF Champions League for the next season, while Simba will be in a CAF Confederation.

Simba’s Interim Coach Juma Mgunda expressed his disappointment after they fell short of their goals of finishing in third place.

However, he said remained optimistic that they will improve after identifying and addressing their shortcomings.

“We did not reach our goals this season, and if there are areas where things have not gone right, it’s not about pointing fingers but finding the right strategy to return to excellence,” Mgunda said.

He emphasized the need for the team to reflect on why they ended up where they are in the league and what steps they need to take to regain their former glory by addressing the challenges they faced.

“We need to prepare for these mistakes and reflect on how we can steer our team in the right direction,” he added.

Azam’s Assistant Coach, Youssouph Dabo expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance throughout the season, despite finishing second behind league champions, Young Africans.

He said the team had successful season capped by their achievement of securing a CAF Champions League spot for the next season.

“We had a great season, finishing second and securing a CAF Champions League spot for the next season. We are grateful for that, and let’s hope for another good season next year,” Dabo explained.

Simba’s left-winger, Edwin Balua, acknowledged that they didn’t have a stellar season but appealed to the fans to continue supporting them to ensure they reclaim their former glory.

“We urge the fans to continue supporting us because I believe something great is on the horizon,” he said.