MASHUJAA Football Club head coach Abdallah Mohamed, popularly known as ‘Bares’, has expressed optimism about his team’s prospects in the Premier League.

After completing the first round of the season, Bares (pictured) is confident that Mashujaa can secure a top-five finish by maintaining consistency and improving their performance in the second round.

The first round saw Mashujaa play 15 matches, securing four wins, seven draws, and four losses. The team scored 13 goals while conceding 11, amassing a total of 19 points that placed them in seventh position on the league table. 

Despite the mixed results, Bares remains upbeat about his team’s progress. He highlighted the positives from the first round, stating that the team largely achieved its objectives. 

“The first round was successful despite dropping points in seven drawn matches. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as our primary goal was to be in a stable position,” he said.

He added that Mashujaa’s current position reflects their preseason aspirations. 

“In terms of points and league standing, we are where we wanted to be at this stage. Now, the focus shifts to the second round, which we anticipate will be more challenging. 

“Every team will be fighting for their place on the table, whether to secure the title, qualify for continental competitions, or avoid relegation,” he said.

Bares acknowledged that the second round will require an elevated level of commitment and strategic planning. He pointed out that the January transfer window will allow teams to strengthen their squads, making the competition even stiffer.

“The second round is critical. Teams will come back stronger, aiming to improve their positions or secure their survival for next season. The addition of new players during the short transfer window will undoubtedly intensify the competition,” Bares said.

For Mashujaa, the objective remains clear: to finish in the top five. To achieve this, Bares emphasized the need for tactical discipline and consistency. 

“Our end-of-season goal is to be in the top five. To get there, we must avoid costly mistakes, especially in games where we can secure maximum points. Strengthening our attacking areas to capitalize on opportunities will also be crucial,” he stated.

Bares revealed that while Mashujaa does not have significant weaknesses, the team is working on bolstering its depth. 

“We are focusing on increasing our strength in key areas. Ideally, we want two to three capable players for each position. This ensures that if one player is unavailable due to injury, we have equally strong replacements,” he explained.

The coach expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum and improving their finishing in front of goal.

Mashujaa’s seventh-place standing puts them within reach of the top-five target, but Bares is aware of the stiff competition from other teams with similar ambitions. He urged his players to remain disciplined and committed as they prepare for the next phase of the league.

Dodoma Jiji is the first hurdle in Mashujaa’s second-round journey, and will test the team’s ability to secure points away from home. Known for their resilience on home turf, Dodoma Jiji presents a formidable challenge.

Next, Mashujaa will host Tanzania Prisons, a side renowned for their defensive discipline and ability to grind out results. Coastal Union, another tricky opponent, will follow, bringing their competitive spirit to the encounter.

The fourth fixture against Azam FC is arguably the toughest in this stretch. Azam, one of the league’s title contenders, will provide a stern test of Mashujaa’s credentials.

Mashujaa’s journey in the Premier League continues to attract attention as they push for a higher finish. With Bares at the helm, the team is determined to defy the odds and secure a place among the league’s elite.

As the second-round looms, all eyes will be on Mashujaa to see if they can turn their coach’s ambitions into reality.