PL resumes after FIFA break

SINGIDA: THE Mainland Premier League resumes today after a two-week international break, with Singida Big Stars hosting Azam FC at Airtel Stadium in Singida. Singida go into the match sixth in the table with 25 points, while Azam are third on 29 points.

Azam have dominated recent meetings between the two sides, winning five of their last seven encounters. Singida have recorded one victory, while one match ended in a draw. Speaking before the game, Azam Head Coach Florent Ibenge said his side would approach the match with the aim of securing all three points.

“We know it will be difficult. It’s like an African game, but we want to play a full and good match. It’s a good opportunity for the players and for Tanzanian football,” he said. Ibenge added that some of his players had only just returned from international duty.

“Our national team players arrived last night. I have not had the chance to see them yet and will only meet them during training today, with just one session before the game,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenge but said his team had to be ready.

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“It is not an easy situation, but we have no reason to complain because we are scheduled to play. We never know what can happen in football, but I am certain it will be a difficult match because Singida are not a small team,” he said.

Singida Coach Othman Najjar said his team would look to make the most of home advantage.

“We have the advantage of playing at home in front of our supporters, so we need to make the most of that opportunity,” he said.

Najjar added that his players must stay focused on their own performance. “We aim to replicate our style of play. If we manage to do that, it will make things easier for us. We need to remain fully concentrated and focus on ourselves from the beginning,” he said.