Oliveira hails winning consistency

SIMBA’S Roberto Oliveira hailed his charges’ consistency of good performance while Young Africans trainer Nasreddine Nabi insisted nothing will stop them from defending the Premier League title.

The Msimbazi Street Reds produced a remarkable performance to hand Yanga a 2-0 drub in a Dar es Salaam derby at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.

Two first-half goals from centre-back Henock Inonga and striker Kibu Denis steered Simba to a crucial win that rejuvenated their title race despite being  five points behind their traditional rivals, Yanga.

With four games to go before the curtain falls, Yanga have so far collected 68 points from 26 matches against 63 points gathered by Simba also from 26 encounters.

“Let me congratulate my players for the good job they have executed …this was a very difficult match, but I am happy to win and get very important points,” said Oliveira in a post-match briefing.

He then appreciated consistency of good results and performance stamped by his team saying that gave them the confidence to do well in each game that comes on their way.

Moreover, the Brazilian tactician admired the early goal they scored on the day saying it resembles that netted during the friendly match between Vipers against Yanga when he was Head Coach of the Ugandan side.

Concerning the performance of third- choice goalie Ally Said who replaced injured Aishi Manula, Oliveira showered praise on him saying he had enough confidence throughout the match.

“I know it was a surprise to many people seeing him on the starting list but I believe in all my players in the squad,” he reiterated.

On his part, Nabi acknowledged the defeat saying Simba deserved the victory but insisted that nothing is going to stop them from winning the 29th Premier League championship.

“I congratulate Simba for the win and the early goal we conceded affected our game plan a lot even though it was not a clear corner since the Assistant Referee made a mistake.

“We tried to organise ourselves but before the break, we also conceded a second goal. In the second half, we created many unfruitful scoring opportunities until the game ended in favour of them (Simba),” said Nabi.

He then elaborated that despite the downfall, his side remains better placed to retain the league title hence urging Yanga fans to keep believing.