Coaches from Simba SC and Coastal Union have begun exchanging confident remarks ahead of their NBC Premier League clash scheduled for Thursday, May 21, at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga.
The match is expected to be highly competitive due to its importance for both sides, with each team chasing different but crucial objectives in the league standings.
Barker: We are ready, targeting three points
Simba head coach Steve Barker says his team has completed preparations and is fully ready for the encounter, emphasizing his side’s ambition to secure victory while also playing attractive football.
Barker said Simba respects Coastal Union but will enter the match focused on taking all three points.
He stated:
"We have had a good period of preparation for the match against Coastal Union. We are ready. We respect our opponent, but we will go into tomorrow’s game to show our quality."
"Based on the good preparation we have had, I believe we are going to get a positive result," Barker added.
The coach further noted that a win could see Simba climb to the top of the league table, increasing pressure in the title race.
Fikiri Elias: We will give Simba a tough test
On his part, Coastal Union head coach Fikiri Elias said his team is well prepared to challenge Simba and aims to secure a positive result.
Elias insisted that Coastal Union will not be in the match as a stepping stone for their opponents, but will fight hard for all three points.
He said:
"We have prepared to give Simba a tough challenge on the pitch. We must ask them difficult tactical questions for 90 minutes."
"We do not want to be a stepping stone for anyone. We must fight for three points for our team and improve our position in the league," he added.
"Every match has its own challenge. We are well prepared to play 90 minutes of competitive football while respecting our opponent. Our position in the league also gives us motivation to fight for maximum points," Elias said.
High-pressure encounter with different ambitions
The match is expected to be intense, with Simba aiming for victory to continue their title challenge, while Coastal Union look to improve their league standing.
Fans from both sides are expected to turn out in large numbers at Mkwakwani Stadium to witness what promises to be an exciting NBC Premier League encounter.
