Friendly duels heat up as 18 days left before new season kickoff

DAR ES SALAAM: PREMIER League teams are deep into their preparations for the upcoming 2024/25 season which is set to commence on August 16th this year.

As time is running out before the commencement of the footwork and shoulder-to-shoulder action, friendly matches have been a key component as all 16 teams gear up for the competitive action ahead, aiming not only for the league title but also for spots in continental inter-club tournaments.

Over the weekend, Azam FC played their second pre-season friendly in Morocco, ending in a 1-1 draw against Union de Touarga.

Nassor Saadun Hamoud, recently signed from Geita Gold, scored Azam FC’s lone goal of the match, following their earlier 3-0 victory against Morocco’s Union Yacoub El Mansour on July 20th.

The ice cream makers who have pitched their pre-season training camp in Benslimane in Morocco were yesterday evening expected to take one of Morocco’s football giants Wydad Casablanca to wind up their pre-season camp.

Meanwhile, KMC delivered an impressive 5-0 victory over PCC Eagles from America at Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro.

The match showcased KMC’s readiness for the new season, emphasising their determination to perform well.

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In another match on the same day, Singida Black Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat against Dodoma Jiji at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha.

Despite the loss, Singida BS coach Patrick Aussems commended his team’s performance, focusing on the need to improve efficiency in scoring goals before the season starts.

“We have lost but that was not our interest, we were looking at how the team plays and from what I have seen, I am impressed with the overall performance though there are some areas we need to improve.

“We lacked efficiency in scoring goals and this is where we need to work before the new season begins, we have to learn how to utilise such opportunities well,” Aussems said.

Aussems, who recently took over Singida BS, faced its third defeat following a mixed performance in the CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup, where the team secured one win out of three matches.

Similarly, Dodoma Jiji coach Mecky Maxime said he was satisfied with the way they played the game as they continue to instill a winning spirit among players.

“We have a limited time before the new campaign begins as such, we are imparting fitness and tactical skills at once because we do not have enough time.

“Usually, in these games, we look at the coordination of players on the pitch and not necessarily at the final output…on Monday (yesterday), we will play against Namungo in another friendly game,” said Maxime.