SINGIDA Black Stars kicked off their Tanzania Mainland Premier League campaign in style with a hard-fought 1-0 win over hosts KMC FC at the KMC Complex in Mwenge, Dar es Salaam, on Wednesday afternoon.

Ivory Coast defender Tra Anthony Urbain Tra Bi was the hero of the day, netting the decisive goal in the 35th minute to hand Miguel Gamondi’s men a perfect start to the new season. The victory extended Gamondi’s personal dominance over KMC coach Marcio Maximo, having beaten the Brazilian tactician 2-0 in the semi-final of the Kagame Cup earlier this month.

Both Gamondi (pictured) and Maximo, who previously coached Young Africans SC, are new faces in the dugouts of their respective clubs this season, adding extra intrigue to this tactical battle. Speaking after the match, Gamondi expressed delight with both the result and the performance, praising his players for their control and composure despite a packed schedule.

“Considering the conditions we prepared for this match, I’m very happy,” said Gamondi. “We dominated the game, especially in the first half where we played a very good brand of football. We created good chances and kept control of the match for long periods.”

 The Argentine tactician admitted that his side’s finishing could improve but remained upbeat about the team’s progress. “In the second half, we didn’t get many chances, but we were always in control. KMC is a good team, and we respect them a lot, but the most important thing was getting the three points and keeping the players fresh as we recover for the next game,” he noted.

 Gamondi also highlighted the busy fixture schedule, pointing out that his players had just returned from Kigali after Saturday’s CAF Confederation tie with Rayon Sports. “I don’t want to make excuses, but I always protect my players. We need to continue to work, improve our decision-making in the final third, and be patient because the goals will come,” he said.

 Singida Black Stars will now turn their focus to their next outing against Rayon Sports as they look to secure a ticket to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.