MASHUJAA FC is setting its sights on a top-six finish in the NBC Premier League, with the outfit's head coach Abdallah Mohamed ‘Baresi’ outlining his ambitions for the remainder of the season.

Despite having a challenging start, the gaffer believes the team has the potential to climb the standings, but they will need to address defensive vulnerabilities before their next match.

“Our ultimate goal is to finish among the top six teams in the Premier League,” the coach declared in an interview with The guardian.

“I acknowledge there’s a tough test ahead, but with the team we have, I firmly believe it's achievable," the tactician said.

His optimism stems from the team’s improved performance in the second half of the season, revealing: “I’m satisfied with the results we’ve been getting in the second round.”

However, he acknowledged the need for continued improvement, pointing out: “We still have work to do to ensure we get the results we need to finish in the top six.”

Mashujaa FC currently holds the 12th place with 21 points from 21 games. While the Kigoma-based squad has managed to register five wins and six draws, 10 losses have hampered the outfit’s progress.

The squad’s goal difference of -8 (18 goals scored and 26 conceded) highlights the defensive issues the squad’s head coach aims to rectify.

“We haven’t had the ideal start but I’m happy with the progress we’ve made. However, the defense is one area that absolutely needs improvement,” the gaffer noted.

To address these shortcomings, he issued specific instructions to his players, revealing: “I’ve spoken to them, and I trust each one will focus on personal training during this break. They need to avoid distractions that could hinder their fitness.”

The gaffer is committed to a rigorous training regime to ensure Mashujaa FC emerges stronger for the remaining matches. 

“We’ll be training hard with the sole purpose of winning each of th remaining games,” he vowed.

Looking ahead, Mashujaa FC faces a challenging but exciting schedule. The club’s next match is set for April 12, in which it will face Coastal Union at the Lake Tanganyika Stadium in Kigoma.

Following that, they will travel to Dar es Salaam to play against one of the top tier's giants- Azam FC- on April 16.

The month will conclude with the Kigoma side’s away match against Singida Fountain Gate FC at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza on April 28. 

Their final match before the end of April pits them against the formidable Young Africans SC back at the Lake Tanganyika Stadium on May 5.

Can Mashujaa FC overcome the outfit's defensive woes and translate the coach’s ambition into reality?

The upcoming fixtures will provide a crucial test for the team’s character and determination.