Yanga threaten Simba’s 48-hour reign

A WIN or a draw in their today’s match against Africans Sports will see Premier League title holders Young Africans back on pilot seat.

Young Africans who threw away the leadership after a 2-2 draw with Azam, host African Sports from Tanga at the National Stadium seeking to reclaim the top post, a feat that can be achieved through a win or a draw of any kind.

Simba regained the top position after beating Mbeya City 2-0 at the same venue on Sunday, but their reign is likely to last only 48 hours. It is set to be a tough mission for holders Yanga, though, as the Tanga side have proved a hard nut crack as evidenced in their last match at Mkwakwani Stadium when Yanga had to sweat profusely before scoring the winner in the injury time.

African Sports who were previously bottom-placed have climbed one place to claim the 15th position, but still threatened by relegation. The TFF fixture shows that the race for a pilot seat will be solely Simba-Yanga affair this week. If Yanga win today and regain the pilot seat, Simba will have to wait another 48 hours to attempt an onslaught when they host Ndanda FC.

Jackson Mayanja’s Reds will be back on top should they beat the Southern Tanzania’s side. Azam, another tough contender, will have to wait longer to try to keep up pace with their rivals Simba and Yanga, who could have notched unassailable point margin by then. Azam will be engaged in Confederation Cup mission, hence missing two of their premiership matches.

Third-placed Azam have bagged 47 points while Yanga can reach 50 points with a win against Sports whilst Simba’s win over Ndanda on Thursday would increase their point tally to 51. Today’s match results are also keen watched by Simba, the only team that have recorded most wins in the league so far-- 15 wins.

Yanga and Azam have both won 14times; hence a win for Yanga over African Sports will see Hans Van der Pluijm’s charges equal Simba’s 15-win record. Meanwhile, the head to head performance on marksmanship once again remains a Simba-Yanga showdown.

Until the end of the 21st round, Simba’s Hamis Kiiza tied with Amissi Tambwe of Yanga on marksmanship.

Before the Saturday encounter between Yanga and Azam, Kiiza was the top marksman with 16 goals. Tambwe, who scored one of the two goals, went joint top with the Ugandan international.

Second overall is Zimbabwean Donald Ngoma who has so far notched 13 goals. Third overall is Ivorian Kipre Tchetche who has seen the net 10 times while Elias Maguli is the best local scorer with 10 goals.

Since joining Simba in the second leg, Ugandan coach, Jackson Mayanja brought big changes to the club. Under Mayanja, Simba have won 8 times, no draw but lost once to Young Africans in the match held at the National Stadium a fortnight ago.