IN an encounter set to unfold at the Chamazi Stadium, Simba gear up to face relegation-threatened Tabora United in a NBC Premier League showdown this evening, kicking off at 6:15 pm.

Simba managed a much-needed three points against Mtibwa Sugar last time out, whilst Tabora United could only earn a share of the spoils at home to Mashujaa.

While suffering Federation Cup and Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Mashujaa and Al Ahly respectively, Simba are more or less out of the top-flight title conversation on account of winning just one of their last four NBC Premier League matches, dropping seven points.

Simba are facing an uphill battle to grab a CAF Champions League ticket from second placed Azam.

The third-placed side realistically have to prevail against Tabora United to keep alive hopes of catching up with Azam, as they are four points behind; a draw here would therefore not suffice if Azam sink Mtibwa Sugar in today's early kickoff.

Juma Mgunda, the interim coach at the helm of Simba, emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on their own performance rather than fixating on external factors. 

With aspirations of securing a coveted CAF position this season, Mgunda stresses the significance of collecting three points in every remaining fixture.

Tabora United, meanwhile, are fighting for their lives towards the bottom of the table, with The Bees currently in the 15th position, two points behind 12th-placed Ihefu with six games left.

They make the trip to the Chamazi Stadium having played there against Young Africans in the Federation Cup quarter-final on Thursday evening.

Their most recent game in the NBC Premier League was last weekend and Tabora United recorded a goalless home draw with Mashujaa at Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium.

While it was vital that they did not lose against one of the teams close to them in the table, the draw means Tabora United are winless in their last five NBC Premier League games.

Tabora United need wins at this stage of the campaign, though, and they have only managed to pick up maximum points in four of their 24 League fixtures this term, sharing the worst record for fewest wins with basement side Mtibwa Sugar.