Tricky Highland venue set for Simba vs Ihefu

SIMBA are keen to conquer Highland Estate ground, a venue that has been very unfriendly to the visitors including Dar es Salaam giants; Azam and Young Africans.

Simba play Ihefu three days after beating them 5-1 in the Azam Sports Federation Cup (ASFC) quarter final match at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam on Friday. Despite their 5-1 victory over Ihefu in the Azam Sports Federation Cup quarter-final game, Head Coach Roberto Oliveira ‘Robertinho’ said today’s match will be challenging.

Robertinho added they are aiming to play well and win the match.

“We indeed beat them on Friday, but this is another match; there are 90 minutes to prove our quality. “And, of course, they had a chance to go through the last match to see the mistakes they made and regroup; we are prepared to ensure we get three points,” said Robertinho.

Robertinho has urged Simba’s fans to show up and cheer for their club, as their support dramatically contributes to their victory.

“Fans are important and their presence in the field is a big support; I ask them to come in large numbers,” said Robertinho. In another development, Simba will miss the services of two of their first eleven players, goalkeeper Aishi Manula and defender Henock Inonga who picked injuries on Friday.

According to Simba’s doctor, Edwin Kagabo, they tested the two players and found the extent of their injuries. He stated that Inonga has not sustained serious injuries; he has been given a two-day rest and will join the squad after returning from Mbeya.

As for Manula, he will undergo more tests tomorrow, although he has not suffered any serious injury. Simba will bank on the Jean Baleke who netted a hat-trick during their ASFC match with Ihefu and he is likely to repeat it at tricky Highland Estate venue today.

This season, the venue (Southern Highlands Estate) has seen Young Africans and Azam dropping three points after succumbing to losses and Ihefu have been lethal at their backyard in the second round of the season.

Meanwhile, Tanzania Prisons moved to the 10th position after beating Ruvu Shooting 3-1 in a Premier League match that pitted relegation-threatened sides at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya on Saturday.

Valentino Mashaka scored Ruvu Shooting opener in the 2nd minute before Salum Kimenya equalized for Tanzania Prisons in the 7th minute.

Three minutes before the end of the first half, Tanzania Prisons scored the second goal through Jeremiah Juma Mgunda. Jeremiah Juma extended his side’s winning margin after netting the second in the 52nd minute of the game.