THE newly appointed Simba’s interim Head Coach Juma Mgunda has admitted of the big task ahead of him saying he needs prayers in order to execute well his responsibilities.
He is set to be in charge of the Msimbazi Street Reds as they play Nyasa Big Bullets in the first leg of CAF Champions League’s preliminary round at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi tomorrow.
However, reacting after being confirmed as interim coach, he said it is a big honour for him to be entrusted to steer Simba during this transition period.
“The most important thing is that you should pray for me in order to make me perform well. Our job is very difficult that is why I demand prayers,” Mgunda insisted.
He also seized the opportunity to reveal that his partnership with Assistant Coach Selemani Matola will bear fruits as they have previously worked together at the national team, Taifa Stars.
Meanwhile, following Simba’s 2-2 draw with KMC at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday evening, Matola admitted his team played below par.
Simba were the first side to open the score sheet courtesy of Moses Phiri who struck his third goal of the campaign in the 3rd minute of the match.
KMC responded in the 48th minute through Matheo Antony before George Makang’a made it 2-1 for the Kinondoni giants in the 57th minute.
Substitute Habib Kyombo saved his side in the 89th minute to let the two sides share spoils.
“Indeed we did not play well especially in the first half despite getting an early goal. Early in the second half, we committed a silly mistake thereby conceding a goal which made it more difficult for us to get back into the match.
“Generally, the entire team did not play well as they used to do. It is true that right back Israel Mwenda had a bad game but I could not substitute him because Shomari Kapombe who plays at that position is injured and I had no other options at the bench,” said Matola.
On his part, Thierry Hitimana hailed his charges for the good game they displayed saying their intention was to generate a win and collect maximum three points.
“We are thankful for the overall performance from our team and I see improvement after each game we are playing… for now, our focus is on the next match of which we need to work hard to win,” he said.
Coming up, KMC will host Ihefu at Uhuru Stadium on September 17th in the fourth round of the NBC Premier League with the latter yet to taste league victory as they remain win-less in three consecutive matches.
