SIMBA cemented their place at the top of the Premier League standings with a commanding 3-0 victory over Tabora United yesterday.

A first-half brace from Leonel Ateba and a second-half goal from Shomari Kapombe ensured Simba leapfrogged Young Africans to reclaim the top spot in the league.

The Msimbazi Street-based outfit took the lead in the 12th minute when Ateba unleashed a powerful low shot from outside the 18-yard box, leaving Tabora United goalkeeper Jean Amonome Noel with no chance. 

Ateba was set up by Jean Charles Ahoua, whose assist created the opening goal.

Simba doubled their lead in the 32nd minute from the penalty spot after Ateba was fouled inside the box. The Cameroonian forward confidently stepped up and converted the spot-kick to complete his brace.

The visitors sealed the victory in the 65th minute when attacking full-back Kapombe calmly slotted home a pass from Ateba inside the six-yard box, capping off a dominant performance.

The win propelled Simba to the top of the league standings with 43 points, having scored 34 goals and conceded only five in 16 matches.

Simba were determined to maintain their top spot after their arch-rivals Young Africans temporarily moved ahead with a win on Saturday, taking them to 42 points.

Simba remain unbeaten in away league matches this season, a record they were keen to extend against Tabora United. 

They have conceded only two goals in away matches this season, both coming in a 5-2 victory against Kagera Sugar on December 21.

The match against Tabora United marked the beginning of the second round of the Premier League for Simba and was a rescheduled fixture from matchday 16, postponed last month due to their CAF Confederation Cup commitments.

Simba now face a demanding February schedule, with five crucial league matches that could define their title ambitions.

Next, Simba will travel to Manyara to face Fountain Gate FC on February 6 at Kwaraa Stadium. 

They will then return to Dar es Salaam for two back-to-back home matches against Tanzania Prisons on February 11 and Dodoma Jiji on February 15, both at the KMC Complex.

On February 19, Simba will travel to Ruangwa for a clash against Namungo FC before wrapping up the month with a high-profile fixture against Azam FC at home on February 24.

Of these five matches, two will be played away, while the other three will take place at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam.

irst serve on these entries too.

The organizers called on the participants to observe the announced times to avoid inconveniences and also called on those collecting numbers for their friends or relatives to ensure they have copies of their identity cards and consent letters allowing the representatives to collect on their behalf. 

The organizers also issued stern warning against those selling numbers online illegally, saying that legal action will be applied against them. 

“This is illegal and we will apply legal action against them,” said the organizers.

Also targeted are those intending to run with fake numbers as they will be withdrawn from the races, their results nullified and banned from participating in Kilimanjaro International Marathon.

The organisers also stated that the marathon is a zero-tolerance event for any form of ambush marketing, both on route, during the event and via any other marketing, promotions and brand association means.

They added that they will take legal action against any corporates or participants seen to be disrespectful towards their headline sponsors in The Kilimanjaro Premium Lager Marathon, The Yas Kili Half Marathon and the CRDB Bank Fun Run and well as their official supporting sponsors.

This year’s sponsors include Kilimanjaro Premium Lager-42km (main sponsor), YAS - 21km Half Marathon, CRDB Bank – 5Km Fun Run, water table sponsors Simba Cement, Kilimanjaro Water, TotalEnergies and TPC Sugar, as well as official partners - GardaWorld Security, CMC Automobiles, Salinero Hotels -Kilimanjaro and suppliers - Kibo Palace Hotel and Keys Hotel.

Kili Marathon is organised by the Kilimanjaro Marathon Company Limited and nationally coordinated by Executive Solutions Limited.