FEW days after schedule adjustments were made, Dodoma Jiji's head coach, Mecky Mexime, has acknowledged that next month, when the Premier League returns, it will be very challenging due to the congested fixture schedule.

However, he made it clear that they will continue from where they left off after bouncing back from a 4-0 defeat to Young Africans with a win against Mashujaa.

Dodoma Jiji's last match before the league went on hiatus for the Mapinduzi Cup 2025 and the CHAN 2024 finals (postponed until August) saw them win 3-1 against Mashujaa at the Jamhuri Stadium on December 28.

They will now begin the final stretch of the season at home against Pamba Jiji on February 5, followed by two away games against Namungo FC and Simba SC, before returning home to face Tanzania Prisons.

Speaking ahead of the league's return, Mexime (pictured) said they have six tough matches within one month, as every team is fighting to avoid dropping points in this crucial final stretch of the season. 

He therefore said he has a difficult task to ensure his team collects all possible points to keep them in the Premier League.

"February will be a very tough month, considering the players were on holiday. I am working to build their competitive spirit, including building their physical fitness," he stated.

"There is no easy game, whether at home or away. We need to prepare ourselves competitively and respect our opponents, regardless of our perceived superiority. 

“I expect good progress, and the players we have added to the squad will be a catalyst due to their experience."

Mexime said that the signings made for his team were in line with their needs, and he also expects to face new additions from his opponents. 

Therefore, good preparation is what will bring good results and secure their place in the league next season, emphasizing that every team has a chance depending on how well they play their cards.

Dodoma Jiji's six matches in February are against Pamba Jiji, then away against Namungo and Simba, followed by home matches against Tanzania Prisons and Fountain Gate, before finishing the month away against Tabora United in a match that will be played on February 28 at Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium.

After 16 matches in the Premier League, Dodoma Jiji have accumulated 19 points with a record of five wins, four draws, and seven losses. They have scored 16 goals and conceded 21.