Tanzania: 'Cannavaro' Cautious As Title Run-in Looms

Dar es Salaam — Young Africans stalwart back Nadir Haroub (Cannavaro) as admitted that his side faces a testing time in the Premier League title run-in.

The stalwart back, who has been out of action since last November, is back in full training and admits that Simba SC and Azam FC may beat them to silverware.

Yanga and Azam top the 16-team table jointly with 46 points after 19 matches while Simba are a point behind them. The latter have played 20 matches.

"It looked like a two-horse race a few weeks ago, but Simba have joined the fray, so we have to roll up our sleeves. Any slipup between now and April will certainly be costly," he said.

"Yes, we have had a better record over our close title contenders this season, but we are in a situation that we must rack up all points from 11 matches.

"We are already plotting Azam defeat next weekend while praying for Simba to drop points as well."

Yanga have a tough week as they welcome Mtibwa Sugar at the National Stadium on Tuesday before regrouping for the Azam match at the same venue.

"Next week is important for us. We have to flex our muscles and bag the points at stake. Mtibwa have caused problems in the past, so a victory over them will be a morale-booster for the Saturday encounter," he added.

Haroub, who may find it difficult to return to the first XI, said he was fully fit and that it is down to the coach (Hans van Pluijm) to reinstate him to the first team.

"I'm back in full training with the squad, so it's good. I'm delighted. I'm 100 per cent now and it is exciting times. I want to be involved in the remaining games, but I leave that to the coach," he said.