TWO winless Premier League clubs go head-to-head this afternoon at KMC Mwenge Complex as Coastal Union hosts newly promoted Pamba Jiji.
Both sides are eager to secure their first victory of the season, with Coastal Union languishing in 15th place with just one point from five matches, while Pamba Jiji sit three places higher in 12th spot with four points.
Coastal Union supporters had high hopes at the start of the season after the club recruited six new foreign players, but their changing technical staff has struggled to find the right balance.
The team, nicknamed Wagosi wa Kaya, has yet to secure a win in seven competitive outings this season. Losses to Mashujaa, Namungo, Azam, JKT Tanzania, and Bravos Maquis in the CAF Confederation Cup have dampened spirits.
In their last Premier League match, Coastal Union suffered a 2-1 defeat to fellow strugglers JKT Tanzania, managing just one shot on target throughout the game.
Despite the return of center-back Lameck Lawi and goalkeeper Ley Matampi, the defensive solidity that carried them to a fourth-place finish last season has diminished.
The team has yet to keep a clean sheet, and their attacking woes continue as they have only scored two goals in their opening five games, tying them for the league’s joint-weakest attacking record.
Pamba Jiji, on the other hand, have recorded four draws and one defeat in their five Premier League matches since earning promotion.
They enter today's match following a 2-2 draw against Mashujaa in front of their home fans last weekend.
Despite draws against Tanzania Prisons, Azam, and Mashujaa appearing respectable on paper, Pamba Jiji need a win to avoid slipping further down the table.
Head coach Goran Kopunovic has expressed frustration with his players' decision-making in key moments.
Pressure is mounting on the Serbian coach, and if he fails to lead his team to victory in the next two matches against Coastal Union and Young Africans, his position could become precarious - although a win against reigning champions Young Africans seems highly unlikely.
While Pamba Jiji have played better than their points tally suggests, their failure to capitalize on scoring opportunities is preventing them from securing their first win of the campaign.
Victory today could provide a much-needed boost for both clubs as they look to turn their seasons around before the upcoming international break.
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