DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA interim coach, Juma Mgunda, has stated that despite missing some key players in his squad, all precautions will be taken as they host Mtibwa Sugar at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam today.
The two teams are set to play a rescheduled Premier League fixture, with each team looking to generate important points as the season nears end.
For Simba, a victory will see them accumulate 50 points from 23 matches, leaving them just 4 points adrift the second-placed Azam, who have annexed 54 points from 24 outings.
“Of course, we will miss Clatous Chama due to his suspension and other players who are injured, but remember, Simba has signed 30 players who are tasked to play for their team,” said Mgunda at a pre-match briefing yesterday in the city.
He added that the good thing is that those who have been selected for today’s match are in good health and ready to battle for victory.
Mgunda further pointed out that they will render Mtibwa Sugar full respect, regardless of their position on the league table, saying they have a competitive coach, and players with the potential to fight.
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On the other hand, Mtibwa Sugar face a must-win encounter to increase their chances of avoiding relegation, as they currently occupy the bottom slot, courtesy of 17 points from 23 matches.
Mtibwa Sugar trainer, Zuberi Katwila, said that they have worked on the setbacks that denied them maximum points in their previous league match.
“In every game, the mistakes you make help your team to prepare well for the next encounter, and in that regard, we have tried to work on the challenges that emerged in our previous 2-1 defeat to JKT Tanzania.
“We are facing Simba; they are a complete side with experienced players, and though they are missing some players, it is none of our concern…we just need to be at our best level to grab a victory,” he said.
Commenting on their current status and whether they can make a U-turn in their remaining seven matches of the season, he said they are taking one game at a time.
“In each match, when you win, you get 3 points, and that is what we are targeting to achieve so that we should be able to acquire enough points that will help us to remain in the contest next season,” he said.
