Yanga wary of Dodoma Jiji onslaught

YOUNG Africans seek to reclaim the Premier League helm as they face Dodoma Jiji at Liti Stadium in Singida today.

Lately, the league’s pilot seat has been rotating among three clubs; Simba, Azam and Yanga as they are separated by a range of two points hence when any of them win, automatically seize the command of the league table only to be dropped the next day after another side’s triumph.

As such; if Yanga collect maximum points, they will match with the current leaders Azam on 29 points only to be divided by goal difference as lately, Azam have netted 18 goals in 13 matches whereas Yanga have pumped in 19 goals in ten games.

A defeat or draw will see the Jangwani street giants staying on third place waiting to do better in their next game as the race  escalates with each team salivating for victory.

For Dodoma Jiji, who are just one point (9) above the bottom-placed side Ihefu with 8 points are seeking to go in record books for becoming the first team to end Yanga’s 47-match premier league unbeaten run by ensuring that they gather essential points from them.

At a press briefing yesterday, Yanga Head Coach Nassredine Nabi said his charges are all set for today’s match even though they are aware that it is not going to be an easy duel.

“We are fully aware that the match is going to be very difficult and we have prepared our players well so that they should know what to do throughout the 90 minutes of play.

“Dodoma Jiji are a good team despite being among the bottom-placed sides on the table…they have been picking young players with determination to stamp success,” said Nabi who is searching to win a second successive Premier League title at the club.

He also thanked fans for always backing them saying the good gesture adds momentum to players for them to work hard on the pitch by producing convincing results.

Again, the Tunisian trainer thanked the management of Liti Stadium saying they have done a good job to make the pitch playable even though it is not a hundred per cent perfect.

On his part, Dodoma Jiji Assistant Coach Kassim Liogope also indicated that they have had ample preparations and his charges are looking up for the perfect game by collecting essential three points.

“We have considered all necessary precautions for this game knowing in advance that we are facing defending champions who are yet to suffer defeat in the league but that could be stopped here inshallah,” he said.

The Dodoma-based team momentarily shifted to Singida venue in order to pave way for renovation works at their Jamhuri Stadium which was apparently suspended by the Licensing Committee of the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB).