SIMBA SC are gearing up for a pivotal NBC Premier League clash today against Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) Football Club at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium, in Arusha.

The match, scheduled for 4:00 PM EAT, promises to be a decisive encounter as Simba eyes the second position in the league standings.

In their first-round clash at the Azam Complex Stadium, Simba and KMC delivered an exciting 2-2 draw. 

Simba’s goals came from Saidi Ntibanzokiza in the 57th minute and Jean Baleke in the 62nd minute. For KMC, Waziri Junior Shentembo found the back of the net in the 30th and 83rd minutes, making for a thrilling match.

Recent encounters between the two teams highlight Simba’s dominance. The Msimbazi Street-based side has won three of their last five matches, with the other two ending in draws. 

KMC have yet to defeat Simba in these last five meetings, a streak the Reds aim to continue.

Simba currently hold 63 points from 28 matches, having scored 56 goals and conceded 25 in the third position. In contrast, KMC sit in the fifth position with 36 points from the same number of matches, scoring 27 goals and conceding 38. 

This match marks the first of a double-header for Simba at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium.

Simba’s interim head coach Juma Mgunda has expressed confidence in his team’s preparations. 

“Preparations for Saturday’s NBC Premier League game against KMC are complete,” Mgunda stated. “The team is in good condition, ready for the tough match against KMC.”

Despite the rigorous preparations, Simba will be missing some of their key players. Striker Pa Omar Jobe, who sustained an injury in the previous game against Geita Gold, and Kibu Denis, who is still not physically fit despite returning from injury, will not be available for the match. 

Mgunda acknowledged these absences but highlighted the return of two important players. 

“The thing to be grateful for is that some of our injured players, Luis Miquissone and Clatous Chama, have recovered and we have brought them for tomorrow’s game,” he said.

Simba’s preparations for the match against KMC have been thorough, despite the absence of some key players. The return of Miquissone and Chama boosts the team’s morale and depth. 

Coach Mgunda’s strategy will likely focus on maintaining a solid defense while capitalizing on the offensive prowess of the returning players.

Mgunda also emphasized the importance of fan support. 

“I am a believer in the presence of fans in the stadium. We really appreciate their contribution and we ask them to come in large numbers tomorrow to give support to the team,” he said.

Goalkeeper Ally Salim echoed his coach’s sentiments about the team’s readiness and the importance of the match. 

“We, as players, are ready for the game. We know it will be a difficult game. We respect KMC, but we are here to fight until the end to get three points,” Salim stated.

Simba’s ambitions for the season are clear. They aim to secure a top-two finish, with the ultimate goal of participating in the CAF Champions League next season.

Simba and Azam FC are neck-and-neck, both with 63 points. However, Azam hold the edge due to a superior goal difference of five goals. This makes the two remaining matches crucial for both teams.

While Simba face KMC, Azam will be playing Kagera Sugar at Azam Complex, Chamazi. This simultaneous fixture adds an extra layer of intensity to Simba’s match, as any slip-up could be detrimental in their race to close the goal difference gap with Azam.

KMC, on the other hand, are expected to provide strong opposition. Despite their fifth position in the league, they have shown resilience throughout the season. Simba’s defense will need to be vigilant to counter KMC’s attacking threats. 

The match is also significant for KMC as they aim to climb higher in the league standings and finish the season on a positive note.

The presence of fans at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium is anticipated to provide a vibrant atmosphere, something coach Mgunda and his players have acknowledged as a crucial element of their success. 

Fan support has often been described as the ‘12th player’ on the field, and Simba will be counting on this to boost their performance.

The clash between Simba and KMC is set to be a thrilling encounter with significant implications for the league standings. 

Simba’s determination to secure a top-two finish, combined with the fierce competition from Azam, ensures that the match will be keenly contested. 

Fans can expect a high-energy game with both teams giving their all on the field