Minziro hails team’s win over Azam FC
MWANZA: PAMBA Jiji head coach, Felix Minziro, commended his team’s resilience and tactical depth after guiding them to a crucial 1-0 victory over Azam FC in the Mainland Premier League match on Sunday.
The results elevated the Mwanza-based club from 14th to 12th place, with 18 points.
Since the resumption of the league, the club has been in formidable form, remaining unbeaten. Their recent performances have showcased the team’s resilience and strategic depth, positioning them as a team to watch for the remainder of the season.
The decisive moment of the match came in the 87th minute; when substitute Deus Kaseke capitalised on a well-timed pass from Abdoulaye Yonta to score the only goal of the game. The goal came just moments after the team had struggled to break down Azam FC’s defence, but Kaseke’s clinical finish made the difference.
Minziro, who had earlier stated that Pamba Jiji would not be relegated, explained how he had to carefully manage player fatigue following a taxing bus journey from Dodoma to Mwanza.
“The fatigue from Dodoma was significant. We travelled and arrived straight into the match, so it’s essential to rest some players and bring in others to play. Those who were fatigued, we rested,” Minziro explained.
To combat such challenges, the club strengthened its squad during the recent transfer window, ensuring that they have depth in every position.
“We made improvements during the transfer window, ensuring that for each position, we have at least two or three players. Today, as you’ve seen, some players were absent, and others took their place,” Minziro added.
Pamba Jiji’s victory sees them now just one point behind KMC, JKT Tanzania, and Mashujaa FC, who each have 19 points. On the other hand, despite the loss, Azam FC remain in third place with 39 points, six points behind leaders Yanga SC. The defeat against Pamba marks Azam FC’s only loss since the league’s resumption.
Looking ahead, Pamba Jiji will take confidence from this performance as they prepare to face Coastal Union in their next match at CCM Kirumba Stadium.
