Decisive fixtures as Championship League edges to end season

TANZANIA: THERE are five teams competing closely for promotion to the Premier League (PL) next season, with only three games remaining.

All 16 teams have played 27 matches, which means that only two teams can automatically qualify for the Premier League slots next term.

The other two teams that finish in third and fourth places will have to compete in playoffs against the sides that occupy the 13th and 14th positions on the PL table to determine their fate.

To avoid match-fixing, all remaining three championship league games of the season will be played on three separate days (April 13th, 21st and 28th) starting at 4:00 pm.

Kengold FC from Mbeya is leading the marathon with 67 points from 27 outings, having won 18 games, drawn seven and lost two. In their upcoming three matches, they will face TMA at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha before hosting FGA Talents at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya and welcoming Police Tanzania at the same venue.

Mwanza-based Pamba FC is second on the table with 58 points in 27 fixtures, having won 17 games, drawn seven and lost three.

They have a match against FGA Talents at Nyamagana Stadium in Mwanza before travelling to play against TMA at Black Rhino Stadium in Arusha. Their last fixture of the season will be against Mbuni at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha.

Mara’s Biashara United is third on the league standings, with 56 points from 27 encounters, having recorded 17 wins, five draws and five defeats. They will face Green Warriors at Karume Stadium in Mara, before travelling to Dar es Salaam to play against Pan African at Major Isamuhyo Stadium.

Their final game will be against Cosmopolitan at their Karume Stadium in Mara. Mbeya Kwanza are fourth with 56 points from 27 matches, succeeding in 17 games, stamping five draws and five defeats.

They will play against Pan African at Nangwanda Sijaona Stadium in Mtwara, before hosting Green Warriors and Transit Camp at the same venue. All their three games will be played at their backyard.

TMA is in fifth place with 54 points from 27 matches and has a good chance of securing Premier League promotion next term.

They will host leaders Kengold at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium, before welcoming second-placed Pamba at Black Rhino Stadium in Arusha, and their last fixture will be against Copco at the same venue.