Photo Credit - Simba SC Tanzania.
Uganda Cranes striker Steven Mukwala delivered a sensational Man of the Match performance, scoring a hat-trick as Simba SC secured yet another crucial victory in the Tanzania Premier League.
Sitting second in a 16-team league, Simba have kept table leaders Young Africans (Yanga) within reach after moving to 54 points, just four behind Yanga (58), who have played a game more. Mukwala’s hat-trick in Saturday’s win against Coastal Union added to his growing influence in Simba’s attack.
Before that, he had already found the net in Simba’s 3-0 victory over Namungo, scored a brace in the 5-2 win against Kagera Sugar and netted in 1-0 and 4-0 victories over Mashujaa and Singida Fountain Gate, respectively.
With five goals in his last four games, Mukwala now has eight league goals this season, just three behind the current top scorer, Yanga’s Prince Dube (11). Only three players, Dube (11), Charles Mzize (10) and Simba’s Jean Charles Ahoua (8) have outscored the Ugandan striker in his debut season in Tanzania.
Mukwala is currently tied on eight goals with Yanga’s Pacome Zouzuoa, Ihefu’s Elvis Rupia and his Cameroonian teammate Lionel Ateba. Despite his impressive goal tally, Mukwala has mostly come on as a substitute, making his achievement even more remarkable given the fewer minutes he has played compared to other top scorers.
Speaking to Simba’s club media after his hat-trick, Mukwala emphasized the team’s unity and determination: "First of all, we have to fight for the badge, which we did today and got maximum points. I want to thank all the players who gave their all they never gave up as well as the fans who came in huge numbers to support us. I believe with this run, we are going to do better, and our main target is to win each game. That is how we can win the trophy."
On whether he expected to score a hat-trick, he admitted: "I didn’t expect this, but as a professional player, you have to switch your mindset. I am a striker, so I have to make sure the team gets goals, assists, and points. If I don’t score, I must at least assist. It’s in my mentality to score always, but I haven’t been given enough playing time.
"Still, I have a positive mindset to deliver for the club whenever given the chance."
Mukwala’s current form suggests he could be a decisive figure in Simba’s title chase and if he continues to get more playing time, the Golden Boot race may have a new contender.
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