All set for SportPesa Cup kick off

IN DAR ES SALAAM

Amid the soaring heat here in Dar es Salaam, representatives of the participating teams have elected to exchange friendly fire, causing excitement among local fanatics ahead of Tuesday afternoon's kick off of the third edition of the SportPesa Cup.

This week-long football extravaganza kicks off at the modern National Stadium from 2pm with Kenya's Bandari facing home side Singida United in the opening quarter-final contest.

That clash will pave way for undoubtedly the match of the day pitting Young Africans, popularly known here as Yanga Wakimataifa, (or international Yanga) of Tanzania, who will square off against the fast improving Kariobangi Sharks from Kenya at 4pm.

The winning teams in these two duels will discover their semi-final opponents on Wednesday, when Kenyan champions Gor Mahia - who are expected here Monday night from Cameroon following their continental exploits - face lowly Mbao FC, and later on, AFC Leopards tackle local giants Simba at the same venue in what arguably is the tie of the round.

Temperatures in Dar have averaged 33 degrees Celsius over the past three days, but Tarimba Abbas, who serves as SportPesa Tanzania's Director Administration and Compliance, still saw the need to turn on the heat and pressure against the local sides.

"I want to remind everyone here that the winning team in this tournament will host (English Premier League side) Everton in her home country. It will be a disaster if we allow the Kenyan clubs to grab this privilege for the third successive time," explained Tarimba during a press briefing at the National Stadium's media centre Monday, while banging the table with his right hand in the process.

Gor Mahia have triumphed in the first two editions of this tournament staged in Dar and Nakuru, with wins over AFC Leopards and Simba respectively in the two final matches.

Consequently, K'Ogalo have gone on to face the English club in Dar es Salaam and Liverpool, losing 1-2 and 0-4 on both occasions.

As if on cue following Tarimba's comments , Yanga's Congolese coach Mwinyi Zahera followed suit, insisting he will do 'everything in his power' to defeat Sharks, including fielding his strongest available line up consisting Ibrahim Ajibu, Kevin Yondani, Feisal Salum and Hereiter Makambo.

Tanzanian clubs have been under scrutiny for fielding reserves teams in this tournament during the past editions.

"My bosses have told me I have to win the league title, Azam Cup and SportPesa Super Cup this season. Sharks are a quality side who run a lot during the game but we are going to give them a lot of problems," warned Zahera, who was in charge of the team during that 4-0 thrashing by Gor Mahia in last year's Caf Confederation Cup group game.

Yanga currently enjoy a comfortable eight-point lead over Azam in the Tanzania league standings after 19 rounds of matches.

Mwinyi's threats didn't seem to deter Sharks however, with the team's assistant coach Collins Omondi warning Zahera that the match will pit 'eleven players against eleven'.

"Football is not played on the stands, or the media. We will do our talking on the pitch, we are not actors to talk too much. I have been prepared my team even if the tie goes to penalties" said Juma, whose team was beaten on penalties by Simba during last year's tournament.

At the same time, Bandari coach Bernard Mwalala was accorded a rousing reception by locals and journalists ahead of his side's clash against Singida.

The youthful trainer was of the best preforming players in Yanga's rich history of success during his playing days.

He represented the club for four seasons and still ranks among the club's all-time scorers, winning three league titles.

"This tournament will expose my young players to international football and I am excited for them because I am confident they will perform very well.

We are used to the weather and my confidence stems from the fact that we are still unbeaten in our league," said Mwalala, who was flanked by defender Felly Mulumba.

Singida captain Nizar Khalfan also expressed confidence that his side - which beat Leopards at this stage of the competition in Nakuru last year - will beat Bandari.

Quarter-final fixtures

Tuesday

Bandari v Singida - 2pm

Kariobangi Sharks v Yanga - 4.15pm