Ugandan defender, Joseph Owino will return to boost Simba’s hopes of closing the gap at the top of the Mainland Premier League when they come face to face with Arusha’s JKT Oljoro at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
The day will also see struggling Ashanti United confronting Tanga’s Mgambo JKT at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam. However, much of the attention will be at the National Stadium where fourth placed Simba will be chasing the rest of the pack at the top of the table.
Simba’s victory today will not dislodged Azam FC from the summit, neither their rivals Young Africans and Mbeya City in second and third place respectively, but a second successive league victory will ensure the Msimbazi Reds are once again setting the pace in the title race.
Simba, who started the second phase of the league with a narrow 1-0 win over Tabora’s Rhino Rangers, will definitely be in a hunt for a second consecutive win so as to build up well their title race campaign.
And Simba fans would be pleased with the return of central defender, Joseph Owino after missing out in Rhino Rangers match at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam last Sunday.
Owino was briefly suspended by Croatian coach Zdravko Logarusic allegedly for indiscipline, but the matter has been resolved and the player returned in the team’s training two days ago to prepare for the crucial encounter.
The Ugandan defender has provided his side’s main defence stability in the first round of the league, when he partnered with Burundian Gilbert Kaze. He maintained his top class performance in the Mapinduzi Cup when he paired with new recruit, Kenyan towering defender, Donald Mosoti.
This mean, in today’s game, Simba line-up might have some slight changes especially in the defence where Owino is likely to replace Kaze.
Shining star Ramadhan Singano, Amis Tambwe and Haruna Chanongo are favourites to be sloted in the attacking line-up, but striker Ally Badru and stiltwalker striker Betram Mwombeki could as well be included in the starting line-up.
Mwombeki, who in the last match failed to impress Coach Logarusic and was withdrawn from the game against Rhino Rangers just 20 minutes after being introduced in the second half, might be given another chance today to rectify his mistakes.
And as usual, the midfield will be packed with Amri Kiemba, Said Ndemla, Awadh Juma and Henry Joseph. Key holding midfielder Jonas Mkude could as well return today to provide a shield to back four.
But Logarusic alias Loga lads must play with caution as JKT Oljoro will not to be an easy prey for Simba. The Arusha army side might plot a dangerous trap to ambush their opponent and make a surprise kill to win the game. JKT Oljoro are also under pressure to avoid relegation
At Azam’s Chamazi Complex, Ashanti United who lost their last game against title holders Yanga by 2-1 at the National Stadium last Saturday, will be battling to get their first win in the second round of the league against Mgambo JKT, who are at the bottom of the league standing.
Abdallah Kibaden charges should expect a tough encounter from the army lads who will be fight hard to rescue their boat from sinking by winning the game.
The league will continue Saturday as the title holder’s Yanga will be hosting the league debutant Mbeya City, who have so far impressed many soccer fans.
Source Tanzania Daily News
