Red-hot Simba play Prisons FC

Simba`s Zambian coach Patrick Phiri.

Relegation-haunted Prisons FC from Mbeya seek to be the first premiership side for the season to halt Simba’s 12-match unbeaten run as they set up survival campaign at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam this afternoon.

Prisons who are still floating inside the unpleasant relegation pool together with Toto Africa and African Lyon, urgently need to post victories to disengage from the dreadful drop off zone.

However, they face a side that has already declared their intention to focus on the premiership title after successful campaign to win all the 12 matches, to open a massive 12-point gap over holders and rivals Young Africans.

A total of 28 points separates the two sides in the standings table, a fact suggests the massive difference in terms of performance.

Unbeaten Simba will be highly surprising to fall to the lackluster side from the Southern Highlands that has posted paltry two wins and as many draws while losing the rest in their 12 matches appearances so far.

Certainly Prisons are not taking to the field heads down but Simba’s Zambian coach Patrick Phiri is aware of winning the encounter to keep the distance from holders Yanga, who are seeking to win their third successive title.

Supreme as they look to be, Simba would fall into a deadly trap should they entertain complacency and downplay the prowess of their opponents.

Phiri is likely to field his razor-sharp squad with three foreigners who missed their second half of the seasonal opener last week.

Joseph Owino, Hilary Echesa and Emmanuel Okwi are possible starters should they be fit enough this afternoon.

Simba are set to fire all barrels ablaze before returning to their training camp with great composure as premiership title contenders.

Marksman Musa Hassan who has seven league goals to his collection, will certainly be in the starting line-up for the title-hungry Simba.

A win for Prisons would mot only be an upset, but also a psychological boost towards a safe horizon but they certainly need another round to win again and move out of the dreadful zone.

With eight points, Prisons would still be trapped inside the relegation pool regardless of number of goals they can score past Simba.

While Simba are playing the prisons wardens today, Yanga will be closely watching the outcome of the math as they pray for the visitors to win to reduce the massive difference in points at the standings table.

Yanga will be hosted by Manyema Rangers at the same venue tomorrow as Mtibwa Sugar play visiting African Lyon at their backyard in Manungu, Morogoro.