WITH just seven matches left in the 2024/2025 Mainland Premier League season, relegation-threatened KenGold have vowed to treat each remaining fixture as a final in their battle for survival.

Currently sitting at the bottom of the table with 16 points, the Mbeya-based club is determined to avoid dropping out of Tanzania’s top tier.

KenGold’s turbulent season has been marked by three coaching changes. Initially led by Fikiri Elias, followed by Omary Kapilima (now serving as an assistant coach), the team is currently under the guidance of Vladislav Heric (pictured). 

However, their struggles have been evident, with just three wins, seven draws, and 13 losses in 23 games.

Despite their position at the foot of the table, recent results suggest a potential turnaround. KenGold have secured one win and four draws in their last five matches, a notable improvement from their previous five outings, where they suffered four losses and managed just one win.

With a goal difference of -20 (20 goals scored, 40 conceded), KenGold recognize the uphill battle ahead. 

Their remaining schedule features daunting clashes, particularly against title contenders Simba SC and Azam FC, which they acknowledge as critical to their survival hopes.

Heric has emphasized the importance of these fixtures, stating that his team must maximize points in every match to stay in the Premier League. 

KenGold’s final stretch of games includes encounters against Azam FC (home), Dodoma Jiji (away), Tanzania Prisons (home), Coastal Union (away), Pamba Jiji (home), Simba SC (home), and Namungo (away).

Heric, who has yet to officially sit on the bench since joining in January due to unspecified reasons, has highlighted the crucial nature of their fixtures against Simba and Azam.

“We're particularly concerned about our upcoming matches against Simba and Azam. These are elite teams fighting for the title, while we are battling for survival. Our goal is to take at least three or four points from these games,” said Heric.

“For the remaining five matches, I believe we have a strong chance of winning. We must treat each game like a final. I’ve told my players that the challenge ahead is immense, but we must do everything possible to avoid relegation.”

KenGold’s attacking form has improved, with the team finding the back of the net in each of their last five matches. 

However, defensive solidity remains a key concern, and Heric is expected to focus on tightening their backline in the final stretch of the season.

Despite sitting at the bottom of the table, KenGold’s survival hopes remain alive. The relegation battle is tightly contested, with KenGold just two points behind 14th-placed Kagera Sugar (19 points), six points behind 13th-placed Pamba Jiji, and eight points adrift of 10th-placed Mashujaa.

With such a narrow margin separating them from safety, KenGold still have a realistic chance of escaping relegation. 

Their remaining matches will determine whether they can secure their place in the Premier League for another season or face the drop to the lower division.