Pamba ready to rumble as Mashujaa vow to spoil the party

MWANZA: ALL eyes will be on CCM Kirumba Stadium today as Pamba Jiji FC square off against Mashujaa FC in a Premier League encounter. With both sides eager to stamp their authority early in the season, fireworks are expected when the whistle blows.

Pamba Jiji FC Head Coach, Francis Baraza, has thrown down the gauntlet, warning visitors Mashujaa FC to brace for a fierce battle in Mwanza.

Confident in his squad’s preparation and boosted by home support, Baraza insisted that nothing short of three points will satisfy his camp.

“The team is in great shape, preparations are complete now, it’s all about execution. We’re at home and we have no excuse not to collect maximum points,” said Baraza.

The coach emphasised the players’ commitment and hunger, expressing confidence that their energy and tactical discipline will deliver the club’s first win of the campaign.

On his part, Mashujaa FC’s tactician Salum Mayanga isn’t fazed by the challenge ahead.

The veteran coach believes his side has done their homework and will be ready to face Pamba Jiji on their turf.

“We’ve had productive training sessions, including one at Kirumba this morning (yesterday). We addressed mistakes from our last match against Singida Black Stars and we’re going into this fixture aiming for a win,” Mayanga affirmed.

He acknowledged the advantage of Pamba playing at home but maintained that his side will approach the game with caution and tactical discipline.

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One setback for the visitors, however, is the absence of key player Seif Karihe, who remains sidelined with injury.

“We’ve studied Pamba Jiji’s style. We’ll be vigilant in our defence and aim to control the tempo,” Mayanga added.

Mashujaa FC skipper Samson Madeleke, who once wore the Pamba Jiji jersey, believes his familiarity with the hosts’ setup could play into Mashujaa’s hands.

“Our preparations have been solid. The coach has done his part— it’s up to us now. Playing against my former team on a field I know well is a bonus. We’re confident we can get a result,” said the captain.

With both sides fired up and tactical plans in place, fans can expect an intense, physical and highstake clash.

Pamba Jiji will lean on their home support and attacking firepower, while Mashujaa will bank on resilience and strategic counterplay.

In another Premier League match, Fountain Gate FC who are placed at the bottom of the league log without a point will face Dodoma Jiji away at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma, targeting their first win since the new season 2025/26 kicked off.