TZW
However, Simba will play today’s match with one eye fixed on the next encounter against arch rivals and defending champions Young Africans at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam next Sunday.
Despite today’s game being vital in their title race campaign, Simba technical bench under the tutelage of Frenchman, Pierre Lechantre and his Burundian Assistant Masoud Djuma are expected to be very cautious in their game plan against Lipuli.
They will have to decide whether to risk and field two key players -- first choice goalkeeper, Aishi Manula and leading scorer, Emmanuel Okwi, who are just one yellow card away each from being suspended in the next match.
Both have two yellow cards and to avoid any of the two players from earning the third yellow which will see them missing the next Sunday’s eagerly awaited derby will be a tricky challenge. To ensure today’s match won’t disturb their strategy in the eagerly awaited ‘Dar Derby’ the Frenchman might decide to make some changes in his lineup and spare his key players or even when they play, they will need to be cautious throughout the game not to receive another booking. However, Simba have plenty of options to make if they so choose to rest the duo.
Second choice goalkeeper, Said Mohamed ‘Nduda’ has returned to full fitness. Mohamed could make his debut for his club after being out of action since the kickoff of this season after a long spell out due to injuries and could be a direct replacement for Manula.
In the absence of Okwi, Burundian striker Laudit Mavugo or Mohamed Ibrahim ‘MO’ could fill the void. Muzamiru Yassin could as well fit in and partner with skipper John Bocco in hunting for the vital away points, which will cement Simba’s grip of the top post.
Utility player, Asante Kwasi will also be facing his former employer for the first time since ditching them and joined the Msimbazi Reds during the previous mini transfer window. Simba, who are currently on 58 points after 24 games are sitting top of the table, 11 points ahead of the second placed Yanga. However, Yanga have played 22 games and are still very much in title contention.
It will not be an easy game against Lipuli, who are under former well respected Simba players, Amri Said and Selemani Matola. Simba picked up a fifth successive league win – and extended their unbeaten run to 24 matches – with a 2-0 home victory over Tanzania Prisons at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam last Monday. Reds side’s goals were netted by Bocco and Okwi.
Lipuli will certainly try to halt Simba’ seemingly unrelenting march to the premier title and Matola also already warned the Reds to expect a stiff challenge. The hosts will play under no pressure because they are sitting 12 points above relegation zone.
Lipuli are placed eight on the log with 31 points from 25 matches. And, the pressure will be on Simba because they are the one who needs a victory to close in on league title.
However, Simba must put a fight to earn victory. Coming fresh form their 1-0 victory over Singida United Lipuli will be motivated to stun Simba to ensure they earn positive result at their home ground.