Ligi Kuu Bara: Matola outlines Simba SC target as they face JKT Tanzania

Photo Credit - Simba SC Tanzania.

Simba SC will resume their hunt for the Mainland Premier League title when they take on JKT Tanzania in a must-win fixture at the KMC Complex in Kinondoni on Wednesday.

The Msimbazi Reds will return to domestic action following their unsuccessful campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they fell at the last hurdle. Simba reached the final of the inter-club competition, where they came up against RS Berkane of Morocco in a two-legged final.

The first leg at Berkane Municipal Stadium ended in a 2-0 defeat. Simba returned home needing to overturn the deficit, but they could only secure a 1-1 draw, ultimately losing the final 3-1 on aggregate.

Simba will now shift their attention to the league with a fixture that holds significant weight as they are currently second in the standings with 69 points from 26 matches.

A win for Simba would see them close the gap at the top with Young Africans (Yanga SC) to just one point with a game in hand, keeping their championship hopes alive.

“This is a very important game for us,” said Matola as quoted by the Guardian. “We returned safely from Zanzibar and went straight into camp to prepare for this challenge. Singida Black Stars are not an easy team. They are strong and possess a number of experienced players.

“The first leg was tough despite the win. It required great discipline and effort. We expect another difficult game, but we are focused and determined to secure all three points.”

Matola added: “Our goal is to win the league title this season, and any result other than a victory could derail our chances. So we are going all in.”

Simba have managed 22 wins, three draws, and one defeat so far this season, while Yanga are top of the table with 73 points from 27 matches.