Tanzania: Simba's Pilot Seat 'Threatened'

By Betram Lengama

With hopes to turn tables, the bottom-placed Majimaji can write a new history today if they beat top riders Simba at the National Stadium.

Winless after playing five games, a win today against unbeaten giants will be the biggest surprise in this year's league. Majimaji who are today settled pointless at the bottom of the league table after playing five games are looking forward to stun Simba who are at the pilot seat with 13 points garnered from four wins and a draw.

The Songea-based Premier League who bowed 2-1 at home to Ndanda FC in their last game, have been struggling to regain form after losing all 15 points from five-match loss.

Anything can happen today at the National Stadium, despite the fact that Simba are seriously aiming to win the 2016-17 season title at any cost. As to ensure their mission meets its desired end, Majimaji are said to have re-called their former coach, Kally Ongalla who rescued the team from relegation last season.

Ongalla is expected to lead the side in today's encounter with Simba, a situation that complicates the matter as both sides are on the same mission.

But it wont be easy for the relegation threatened Majimaji, since from a matter of fact the Msimbazi street-based club is targeting their fifth victory which will guarantee their lead. The loss to Majimaji will hurt the club dearly since it will give its rivals Young Africans and Azam a golden chance to claim the pilot seat.

Simba who posted a 1-0 victory against Azam in their last game aim at securing all three points which will intensify their leadership before meeting their archrivals Young Africans on October 1 at the National Stadium in what sports analysts call a Dar es Salaam derby.

Despite winning the closely fought encounter, Simba had lodged complaints against using the re-opened Uhuru Stadium saying its poor shape poses a great danger to the players.

The football governing body reacted quickly by suspending the use of the stadium for premiership matches. While Simba are at the National Stadium today, their archrivals Yanga will be in action tomorrow at CCM Kambarage Stadium in Shinyanga facing the hosts Stand United.

Like their rivals, Yanga are also unbeaten after playing four matches, winning three and drawing once at Nangwanda Sijaona Stadium in Mtwara where they faced hosts Ndanda FC.

However, that task seems to be hard for the visitors as they are facing one of the best improved teams of this season. Yanga who earned three points at the same venue last Saturday following their 2-0 win over hosts Mwadui, will be looking to accomplish their six-point mission in Shinyanga region.

Amis Tambwe and Donald Ngoma goals gave the reigning champions the much needed three points from Mwadui FC.

The deadly duo is also expecting to lead their side in today's fight.

The third-placed Azam, who parade 10 points behind Simba and Yanga will be at the Nangwanda Sijaona Stadium to clear Ndanda FC hurdle in the match expected to be thrilling and highly competitive as both sides are hungry for victory.

The host Ndanda who won 2-1 away against Majimaji will be aiming to maintain their winning streak, whereas Azam will be looking for a recover after losing to Simba.

Other league games scheduled for today is Tanzania Prisons against Mwadui FC at the Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya while Mtibwa Sugar will host Mbao FC at their Manungu Complex