Mgunda hails charges, Coastal stuck

SIMBA interim coach Juma Mgunda commended his charges for sticking to game plan in their 3-0 success while his counterpart for Coastal Union Yusuf Chipo said they need to reinforce the squad in the mini-transfer window.

The two sides settled their differences at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga over the weekend in a chase for the maximum points whose beneficiary was the Msimbazi Street Reds.

The victory was Simba’s 10th of the season from 15 matches which has seen them accumulating 34 points as the race towards the championship keeps changing game after game.

On the other side, things continue to fall apart at Coastal Union as they suffered their 8th loss of the campaign in 14 games and have pocketed 12 points, a trend which is not that convincing for the Tanga based giants.

“As anticipated, the game was tough bearing in mind that we faced a competitive team which was also looking sharp to produce a win to cement their stay on the log.

“But, I want to congratulate my players for sticking to our game plan in both halves of the match and that is the secret which enabled us to come out clean at the sound of the final whistle,” Mgunda said after the match.

Queried why he made goalkeeping changes by calling to bench Aishi Manula for Beno Kakolanya at half-time, he responded that the former had abdominal pains hence requested to be substituted.

“He was not feeling well before the match as such, he proposed that if the problem escalates, he should be benched…that is why after the opening 45 minutes, he preferred to rest hence the changes,” Mgunda said.

Furthermore, Mgunda observed that playing against his former team made him feel happy but could not deny the fact that he is now a Simba employee such that he has to do everything to help them attain their targets.

On his part, Chipo for Coastal Union conceded the defeat saying they gave room for Simba to dominate the game thereby leading to the upset after the game.

“Yes, our trend in the league is not convincing and we need to sit together with the management of the club to discuss about reinforcing the team in the upcoming mini-transfer window. There are some areas which requires immediate solution,” said the Kenyan trainer.

He also admitted that they faced a strong opponents who have well skilled and experienced teachers capable to transform the encounter at any time as it unfolds.

Chipo succeeded Mgunda at the helm of the team after the latter was hired by Simba where he is enjoying his stay.