The Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has released the schedule for the Tanzania Mainland Premier League for February, where many of the most competitive matches will resume after a temporary hiatus. According to the schedule, a total of 50 matches will be played within the month, equivalent to six rounds, including two play-off matches.
The oldest clubs Simba and Yanga, which have set a record for winning the title more times, are waiting for a big challenge, with 630 minutes of football, equivalent to seven matches each, before the Kariakoo Dabi game on March 8. The matches are expected to be important for the teams in the championship race.
In general, all 16 teams participating in the league will play no less than six matches in February, a situation that could determine the future of many teams in achieving their goals this season. Teams fighting to avoid relegation and those vying for the top four positions, including the championship, are forced to fight harder to achieve their goals before the league enters the final stages.
Simba and Yanga in the Championship Race
Simba SC
Top of the standings with 40 points, Simba is looking to achieve its goal of continuing to lead the league before meeting Yanga. The team will start February by playing against Tabora United away, where they won the first round match 3-0. February also includes matches against Fountain Gate, Tanzania Prisons, Dodoma Jiji, Namungo, and Azam FC before their trip to Coastal Union on March 1.
Simba Head Coach, Fadlu Davids, has stated that his team is ready to fight with all its might, while emphasizing the importance of winning the February matches to put a good chance of winning the championship.
Yanga SC
Defending champions of the league, Yanga SC, are in second place with a difference of just one point. February begins with Yanga hosting Kagera Sugar on February 1 at the KMC Complex Stadium, Dar es Salaam. Other matches that will follow are against KenGold, JKT Tanzania, KMC, Singida Black Stars, Mashujaa, and Pamba Jiji.
Yanga Head Coach, Sead Ramovic, has made it clear that his team is aiming to defend their title, despite the challenges they faced in international competitions. He said February is a crucial opportunity to return to the top and lay a good foundation for the match against Simba.
Top Four Race
Apart from Simba and Yanga, Azam FC and Singida Black Stars are also fighting for the top positions. Azam is in third place with 36 points, while Singida is in fourth place with 33 points. These teams are expected to provide tough competition against the veterans, especially in the second round matches.
Position of Teams at Risk of Relegation
Teams at risk of relegation, such as Kagera Sugar and Pamba Jiji, have important matches in February that could determine their future. Kagera Sugar, who are second from bottom, will have to win their matches against the likes of Yanga to stay safe.
February will be a month of intense competition and the results will provide a snapshot of the league’s direction before the final stages. Fans are expected to enjoy some football entertainment as they await the big Kariakoo Dabi match on March 8.
