AZAM FC have expressed their satisfaction with the recent Premier League break, citing it as a valuable opportunity for squad assessment and tactical refinement ahead of a hectic February schedule featuring six league matches.

Head coach Rachid Taoussi used the break to organize a series of friendly matches, allowing him to evaluate new signings and provide playing time to squad members who saw limited action in the first half of the season.

Azam’s last league match before the break was a 3-1 home victory against JKT Tanzania on December 27. They will resume their campaign at home against KMC on February 6, before traveling to face Pamba Jiji at Kirumba Stadium on February 9.

Speaking about the club’s readiness, Azam FC spokesperson Hasheem Ibwe welcomed the opportunity to restart the second round at home, emphasizing that the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

During the break, Azam played seven friendly matches, including four closed-door games against Zanzibar’s KVZ, Mafunzo, and Uhamiaji, as well as three public encounters against JKT Tanzania, Mtibwa Sugar, and a return match with Mtibwa Sugar.

Ibwe highlighted that these friendlies allowed coach Taoussi to integrate new signings Zidane Sereri and Zouzou Landry, while also ensuring that squad depth remains strong for the remainder of the season.

“Our mid-season friendlies provided a crucial platform for the coach to assess the squad and explore the best ways to utilize our new additions.
 “It was also an important opportunity for players like Mamadou Samake to get minutes in a competitive setting,” said Ibwe.

Azam bolstered their squad with two key signings: Zidane Sereri (19-year-old Tanzanian midfielder) from Dodoma Jiji, who joined on a five-and-a-half-year deal and Ivorian defender Zouzou Landry, a left-back and center-back from AFAD Djekanou in the Ivorian Ligue 1.

Both players are expected to compete for starting roles and add depth both defensively and offensively.

Ibwe assured fans that Taoussi is pleased with the squad’s progress and confident in the team’s ability to meet its objectives for the season.

“We are pleased with our preparations and aim to maintain momentum when the league resumes.
 “Our goals remain unchanged: winning the league title and the Federation Cup. We have been consistent contenders in recent years, and this season, we are determined to push ourselves further," he said.

Azam’s experience in the CAF Champions League preliminary round has further fuelled their ambition for continental football next season.

"Our participation in the CAF Champions League made us even more eager to return and go further in the competition.
 “We believe we have the quality and depth to achieve greater success than last season," Ibwe added.

Azam FC currently sit third in the Premier League standings with 36 points, trailing leaders Simba SC (40 points) and second-placed Young Africans (39 points).

The team boasts an impressive defensive record, having conceded just eight goals in 16 matches - the third-best in the league, behind Simba (five goals conceded) and Young Africans (six goals conceded).

With a strong squad, renewed confidence, and a clear mission, Azam FC look set to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title and secure continental football next season.