Mbeya City coach: We exceeded our expectations


THE Head Coach of the Mainland Premier League debutants Mbeya City, Juma Mwambusi admitted that they had exceeded their expectations in the just ended league first round since their target was to finish in the top five.

Mwambusi told the ‘Sunday News’ that finishing third in the first phase of the league was beyond their target but such achievement was an extra motivational factor for the team to perform even better in the last phase of the league.

Mbeya City sits third on 27 points, same as Azam FC but the two sides are separated on goal difference. Defending champions Young Africans are on the drivers’ seat on 28 points.

Mwambusi, who is among the experienced local coaches, said he was excited with his team’s performance since they have proved to be a hard nut to crack especially against big opponents.

Another thing that pleases him the most is the fact that they have managed to be ahead some soccer giants in the country such as Simba, Coastal Union and Mtibwa Sugar.

Simba are fourth in the table on 24 points, while Mtibwa sits sixth on the table on 20 points. Coastal Union of Tanga, who are eighth on 16 points.

Mwambusi warned that his charges will maintain its performance in the second phase. “We’ll not wane out as most people would like to think.


I’m very much aware that people are saying things will get tough for us in the second round… the good thing is that we’re also aware of that and we’re ready for challenge,” he said.

Two seasons ago, Arusha’s JKT Oljoro, making their debut, took the league by storm in the first round but failed to maintain that momentum in the second round and they survived relegation.

“During this league break session we’ll review our strength and weakness to ensure that the squad is in full strength going to the final phase.

I believe, we’ll comeback more rejuvenated and on highly spirited in the second round to ensure we finish the league in a better position,” he said.

He added that his players have begun to cope with the league challenges and gain experience, but was also quick to caution them against complacency.

Meanwhile Mbeya City FC Chairman Musa Mwapunda said that his team will camp in Zambia or Malawi for the preparation of the second leg of the Premier league to ensure that they maintain the good performance they had displayed in the first round.

Source Tanzania Daily News

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