PAMBA Jiji head coach Goran Kopunovic is standing firm in his belief in his team, announcing that he will field the same starting lineup for today's Premier League clash against Mashujaa at CCM Kirumba Stadium.

Despite recent struggles, the coach remains confident in his squad, even as Pamba Jiji has yet to secure a victory this season.

Kopunovic acknowledged that his tactical decisions might be contributing to the team's ongoing winless streak in the Premier League. 

Pamba Jiji have drawn three matches and lost one in their opening four games. Meanwhile, their opponents, Mashujaa, have enjoyed a strong start to their second season in the top flight, with two wins and one draw from three matches.

Despite mounting pressure to deliver a win, Kopunovic took full responsibility for the team's results, stressing the need to reassess his strategies to bring joy to the fans. Under his leadership, Pamba Jiji, who returned to the Premier League this season after a 20-year absence, have struggled to find their footing.

Their latest setback came on Tuesday, when they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Singida Black Stars at their home ground, CCM Kirumba Stadium. This loss follows a series of draws against Azam FC, Dodoma Jiji, and Tanzania Prisons.

The team's poor form has also extended to friendly matches, where they lost 2-1 to Geita Gold, drew 1-1 with Vital'O, and were held to a draw by Biashara United.

Kopunovic admitted that the team's struggles might be linked to his own decisions, acknowledging that he may have made errors in his tactical approach and player selection. However, he remains confident in his ability to turn the situation around and defended his choice to stick with a consistent starting lineup.

"If you ask me what the problem is, the problem is the coach. Maybe I don’t understand football, or maybe I’m not doing anything right. Maybe I’m not making the right preparations or tactics for my players, but I’m not going to shy away from my responsibility. I don’t put pressure on myself, but if you ask what the problem is, maybe it’s the coach," Kopunovic admitted.

He added: "I’m not a coach who changes the squad every day. For example, in the match against Singida Black Stars, I trusted the same players who performed well against Azam FC. I know my squad very well and how to use them."

Pamba Jiji, eager for their first win in the Premier League since their return, will be hoping to break their winless run against Mashujaa and deliver a long-awaited victory to their fans.