With almost a month remaining before the Mainland Premier League kicks off, newly promoted side African Sports from Tanga have stepped up preparations ready to sting the top sides.
African Sports, who are making a return to the top-flight league after over 20 years absence are eager to make their presence felt.
Already, the team’s officials have expressed their commitment to challenge the top sides when the league kicks off on September 12, this year.
The Club Secretary General Abdul Ahmed said the team had pitched camp since May in Pangani, but they recently shifted to Mwakajila grounds in Tanga to prepare effectively for the league.
He confirmed that his club has managed to sign some of the top players such as Nova Yona and Tera Mwavuo both from Mgambo JKT, Nsa Job (Coastal Union), Rahim Omary (Abajalo FC), Omary Issa (Villa Squad), Zahoro Pazi (Simba) and Beka Masoud from Fanja FC of Oman.
Ahmed added that all the players have signed one-year contract. He also denied claims of hiring the former Kagera Sugar assistant coach Mrage Kabange, saying the club is still under their head coach, Joseph Lazaro, who guided the side to earn promotion to the top- flight league.
On his side Lazaro said they have lined up several friendly matches in August to help his players keep fit and ready for the league.
Meanwhile, First Division side Friends Rangers of Dar es Salaam have refuted claims that they have parted ways with five senior players.
The club’s Secretary General Eli Mzozo has confirmed that Haruna Moshi, Amir Maftah, Credo Mwaipopo and Yusuph Mgwao have not been sold and are not for sale.
“The five players are not for sale because we still need their services to help reach our target of being promoted to the premier league,” he said.
By ALEXANDER SANGA, Tanzania Daily News