Simba Crowned Tanzania Champions

Simba were crowned Tanzania Premier League champions for a record 21^st time on Sunday despite being held to a goalless draw by Tanzania Prisons at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya.

With Azam FC being held to a 1-1 draw by Biashara on Saturday afternoon, Simba were in pole position to take the trophy as they needed only one point against Prisons to be crowned champions.

The Mzimbazi Reds, who were playing in their 52nd match of the season in all competitions since August when they opened the season, top the 20-team league table on 79 points, 19 more than second-placed Yanga while Azam have 59 points.

There was another significant milestone for Simba industrious captain John Bocco and goalkeeper Aishi Manula who have joined former AFC Arusha and Azam FC midfielder Erasto Nyoni as the three most decorated players in the Tanzania Premier League.

Hassan Ndilunga once again led with aplomb in the heart of midfield to further enhance his reputation as the front runner for the coveted Player of the Season award where he faces strong challenge from Ditram Nchimbi of Yanga.

Manula will also have a shout for the goalkeeper of the season after what has been a good season between the poles in this campaign that has its ups and downs.

Meanwhile, Meddie Kagere looks set to clinch the Tanzanian golden boot for a second consecutive time. The Rwandese international has scored 19 goals so far in this campaign.

Simba came to Mbeya with a simple equation of a draw and they managed to achieve their mission by holding the attacking Tanzania Prisons at their backyard.

The visitors dominated the opening exchanges with their best chances falling for Meddie Kagere, whose close-range header could not find the target and Ibrahim Rajibu who blasted the ball at Prisons’ keeper instead of laying it to better positioned Miraji Athumani.

Though Simba created most of the chances, Prisons also had their moments in the attack and the most notable was on the half-hour mark when Adam Adam forced a good save out of Aisha Manula.