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Simba reclaim Tanzanian League title

03-16-2010

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Simba SC has reclaimed the Tanzanian Vodacom Premier League title they last won two years back. Even with still some matches to wrap up the season, Simba beat Azam FC 2-0 at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday to lift the trophy. The Msimbazi Street giants have dethroned bitter-rivals Young African, to claim the top flight silverware with two games to spare thanks to a brace from Mike Barasa.
The Kenyan international, who ironically played for Yanga in the first round, scored a goal apiece in each half to bring to the end any hope by his former employers to catch Simba in the title race.

Coach Patrick Phiri men had to hold their nerves to finish off the race as Azam periodically produced some fascinating moments during the proceeding, and though the winners were definitely home and dry with few minutes to go, thousands of Simba fans who packed the historic stadium to the brim, awaited the final whistle from referee Ibrahim Kidiwa with anxiety. In the end, a dominant Simba won the battle against Azam to be crowned the champions after 20 matches, winning 18 matches, with only two draws marking their low moments in the long season. Their fans most in red shirts broke into the stadium to join their heroes and sparked huge celebrations.

“It has been a very hard road, with a lot of hard work. It’s good that the hard work finally paid off,” jubilant Phiri said. It marked a good record for the Zambian tactician with Simba after a successful spells in the past. “We’re very happy that we’ve sealed the title because the competition was very stiff,” said Phiri.

Phiri was grateful to his players whom he said had to overcome pressure to finish the race. “The lads were disciplined and focused. Despite the tough opposition, they managed to withstand the pressure, it is better we’ve won the league with two games to spare. ” He was particularly happy to the match hero, Barasa. “He was fantastic today and scored two vital goals that won us the championship, I’m happy with his general contribution.” Barasa, who has now become popular with Simba fans after crossing the city rivals, moving from the Jangwani Street outfit in the January transfer window, said it was great to score the goals that sealed the title for his new team.

“It’s always wonderful to score goals on such big occasion,” he said.

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