MOROGORO: SIMBA Assistant Coach, Selemani Matola and Tanzania Prisons trainer Ahmad Ally have said that they expect a tough battle at Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro.
Even though both coaches admit it will be a difficult match, they are ready to compete and earn maximum points in the Premier League.
The match is crucial for both teams as they hope to secure a much-needed victory to climb up the table with the season slowly heading towards the finishing line. Simba, who are currently in third place, have collected 36 points in 15 matches.
Tanzania Prisons, on the other hand, have 24 points in 18 games and sit in sixth place on the log.
Matola said, “Immediately after our CAF Champions League match, we began preparations for Tanzania Prisons, and everything went according to plan. “We are aware that it is going to be a tough match… Simba against Tanzania Prisons is always a difficult game, but we are looking forward to generating positive results.”
He added, “We know that our opponents have been registering convincing outcomes in most of their recent league matches, and that is enough testimony to expect a tough encounter.”
The coach also revealed that only Sadio Kanoute will not be part of the team as he is nursing an injury, while the rest of the players are ready to play.
When asked why they chose Jamhuri Stadium to host their remaining league fixtures of the season, Matola replied that Simba has been using the venue as their second home for a long time.
“We usually use this venue from a long time ago, and the important thing is that we have a good record here. “We frequently stamp positive results here, so choosing this venue did not come by accident.”
Similarly, Tanzania Prisons’ Ahmad Ally remarked that they are also well-prepared to take on Simba, insisting that his players are set for the match.
“We are playing against a big team with quality players, but that does not scare us to fight for the win… We have created a good game plan, which I believe will help us to win.”
In their previous four back-to-back home matches at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya, Tanzania Prisons have claimed seven points after winning two games against Tabora United (2- 1) and Singida Fountain Gate (3- 1), drawing one versus Azam (1- 1), and losing 2-1 against Young Africans.
For Simba, in their past four league duels, they have collected ten points after registering three wins and one draw.
They beat Geita Gold 1-0, JKT Tanzania 1-0, Tabora United 4-0, and stamped a 1-1 draw versus Azam.