Simba edge closer to title

Holders Simba have intensified their inexorable title retention charge after amassing 44 points to widen the gap from the previous two to four over rivals Young Africans at the end of the 19th round matches over the weekend. With a hefty cushion of four points, Simba need to win at least the next two matches out of the three remaining in the fixture to retain the Mainland premiership title. Unless the holders take a tumble in their two or all of their remaining fixtures, any other team including rivals Young Africans and third placed Azam would possibly take a last chance to push Simba outside the title track. The match between Yanga and third placed Azam would possibly work in favour of Simba should it end up in any kind of draw. The title race has now been confined to three teams with Mtibwa Sugar already pushed outside the track with an inferior ceiling of less than 44 points. Simba need five points or two consecutive wins to collect their second successive silverware under their Zambian coach Patrick Phiri. Yanga’s barren draw with JKT Ruvu on Saturday at the Uhuru Stadium marked a tough battle ahead should they need to claim the premiership title for the season. Those two points Yanga had dropped has virtually dealt a he blow to their title pursuit and the situation would be worse if they take another tumble against the ice cream makers on March 30. Unless they resort to complacency, Simba have a comfortable route to retain the title should they maintain the rollercoaster display. After last weekend’s fixtures, Simba have JKT Ruvu, Kagera Sugar and Majimaji standing their way before claiming the scudetto. Yanga have to battle it out against Azam FC, African Lyon and blood brothers Toto Africa. The race to the title podium is limited to Azam, Yanga and holders Simba as Mtibwa Sugar have virtually edged out of the track. SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN