Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanian Premier League resumes this Wednesday with a decisive twist all 16 teams will take to eight different stadiums at exactly 4:00 PM EAT in a round that will shape the destiny of the 2024/2025 season.
At the heart of it all is a thrilling fixture with two distinct battles in one game Tanzania Prisons vs defending champions Yanga SC.
Each of the eight simultaneous fixtures holds significance, with some clubs vying for the championship while others battle desperately to avoid the dreaded relegation play-offs.
Title Race and the Relegation Dogfight
As it stands, Yanga leads the table with 73 points, closely followed by Simba SC with 72, Azam FC with 57, and Singida Black Stars on 53 points.
Lower down the standings, the relegation battle is tight Tabora United (37), JKT Tanzania (35), Dodoma Jiji (34), Mashujaa and KMC (33 each), Coastal Union and Namungo (31 each), Pamba Jiji and Prisons (30 each), Fountain Gate (29). Kagera Sugar (22) and KenGold (16) have already been relegated.
Tanzania Prisons vs Yanga SC
At the Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya, Tanzania Prisons host league leaders Yanga SC in a match that has all the makings of a dramatic showdown.
Yanga are determined to retain their title and need all three points to stay on top. Meanwhile, Prisons, currently 13th, are fighting for their lives and aiming to avoid the relegation play-offs.
In the first-leg meeting, Yanga thrashed Prisons 4-0 at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam. But this time, the stakes are higher.
Yanga head coach Miloud Hamdi stated confidently: “We’re in Mbeya for business, not sightseeing. We must win this game and the remaining two to achieve our goal. It won’t be easy Prisons are a tough side with competitive players.”
Prisons coach Amani Josiah responded: “We’re 13th with 30 points and two very difficult matches ahead Yanga and Singida. Every point is crucial for us. We must fight to survive.”
KenGold vs Simba SC
Already relegated KenGold will host Simba at the Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium in Tabora. Simba will be aiming for a big win to keep the pressure on Yanga in the title race. They won the first leg 2-0 and will want to go even further this time.
Simba head coach Fadlu Davids said: “We’ve prepared to face a tough opponent. They played well in the first round and although they are relegated, they’ll want to restore their pride. We are focused and ready to chase our goal.”
Azam FC vs Tabora United
At the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Azam FC (3rd, 57 points) welcome Tabora United (5th, 37 points) in a match filled with tension and unfinished business. Tabora won the reverse fixture 2-1, and Azam are eyeing revenge at home.
Azam coach Rachid Taousi said: “This is our final home game of the season. We want to entertain our fans and win. The league break helped us recover injured players. We may not have had the best season, but we’ve already secured a continental spot.”
Tabora’s coach Simona Kaunda was cautious: “We’ve had a long break. Azam are a strong side and we’ll have to fight for every inch.”
Coastal Union vs Fountain Gate
In Tanga at the Mkwakwani Stadium, Coastal Union (31 pts) host Fountain Gate (29 pts) in a tense relegation battle. A win for Coastal could push them to 34 points, providing some cushion, but a loss for Fountain Gate could seal their fate.
Coastal coach Joseph Lazaro said: “This is a tough match. We’re 10th with 31 points, and winning might take us higher, depending on other results. Every point matters.”
Namungo FC vs Kagera Sugar
In Lindi at the Majaliwa Stadium, Namungo (31 pts) face already relegated Kagera Sugar in a must-win match. Victory would take Namungo to 34 points, potentially steering them out of the danger zone.
