PAMBA Jiji will be looking to consolidate their encouraging progress this season when they host Namungo at CCM Kirumba this afternoon, with both sides separated by fine margins in a tightly contested Mainland Premier League mid-table battle.

Unlike the title-chasing giants, Pamba Jiji’s primary objective this campaign has been stability and improvement. After a difficult previous season in which they flirted dangerously with the relegation zone, the Mwanza-based side under head coach Francis Baraza (pictured), have made clear strides and now find themselves firmly in the upper half of the table.  

Friday’s emphatic 3-0 win over Coastal Union was a timely reminder of that growth, snapping a four-match winless run and lifting them into fifth place.  

Another positive result today would further underline how far they have come and keep them within touching distance of the league’s leading pack. 

The hosts’ improvement has been driven largely by their attacking output. Pamba Jiji boast one of the league’s more productive forward lines, with only two teams having scored more goals so far this season.  

Ugandan striker Peter Lwasa has been a focal point, registering three goals and an assist, while Kenyan forward Mathew Tegisi has matched that tally and added two assists of his own.  

Burundi attacking midfielder Shasiri Nahimana has contributed two goals and an assist, providing creativity between the lines, and Guinean winger Yonta Camara adds width and directness.  

At home, Pamba Jiji will hope that attacking depth can once again make the difference. 

Namungo, meanwhile, arrive in Mwanza riding a wave of confidence of their own. Head coach Juma Mgunda has overseen an impressive run built on youthful energy and tactical discipline, with his side unbeaten in seven matches.  

Their 1-1 draw away to Mtibwa Sugar last weekend was another demonstration of their resilience, extending a sequence that has quietly pushed them level on points with Pamba Jiji, albeit having played one fewer game. 

Mgunda’s emphasis on youth has seen several players flourish, notably Abdulkarim Kiswanya, Cyprian Kipenye and Julius Machela, who have brought intensity and balance to the side.  

Up front, Congolese striker Fabrice Ngoy has been the standout performer, supplying the goals that Namungo previously lacked.  

With six goals to his name, Ngoy currently leads the league’s scoring charts and poses a significant threat to the Pamba Jiji backline. 

The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 1-1 draw at Majaliwa Stadium, and recent history points towards another closely fought contest.  

In three previous head-to-head meetings, Namungo have recorded one victory, with the remaining two ending level.