AZAM FC, after starting their pre-season training camp, will play their first domestic friendly match of the pre-season against Zimamoto FC at the New Amaan Complex today.

The team is currently in Zanzibar for their initial camp before heading to Morocco next week for international friendlies. 

Coach Youssouph Dabo will have the chance to evaluate his players and the progress of their tactical training as he prepares the squad for the CAF Champions League and local competitions.

Newly signed players are also expected to showcase their skills to impress Dabo ahead of a tense new season. 

The new arrivals include Ivorian attacking midfielder Franck Tiesse, defender Yoro Mamadou Diaby, Colombian midfielder Ever Meza from Leones, and striker Jhonier Blanco. Local additions to the squad are striker Adam Omar Adam from Mashujaa and midfielder Nassor Saadun from Geita Gold.

Azam face a congested fixture schedule, participating in the CAF interclub competition, Premier League, Community Shield mini-tournament, Mapinduzi Cup, and Muungano Cup, next season.

Thabit Zakaria, head of Azam FC’s information and communication department, emphasized that the match aims to boost players' fitness rather than focus on competition, ensuring all players get playing time.

"Our friendly match against Zimamoto is our first local outing of the domestic season. It aims to assess the players' fitness levels and their adaptation to coach Dabo's tactical switch. Many new players need to adapt to our philosophy, and we are confident they will do so quickly," said Zakaria.

Azam secured second place in the Premier League standings by edging out Simba on goal difference with a 2-0 away victory against Geita Gold on the final day of the campaign at Nyankumbu Ground. 

The result secured their spot alongside champions Young Africans as Mainland Tanzania's representatives in the CAF Champions League next season.

Zakaria also mentioned that Azam have completed the signings for the upcoming season, with only the official announcements remaining.

"Our club has finalized the signings for next season and submitted their registration into the transfer matching system. The new players will be introduced to the public once our team arrives in Morocco. We plan to reveal them in a foreign country," said Zakaria.