PAMBA Jiji Football Club have officially appointed former Kagera Sugar coach Fred Felix Kataraiya, popularly known as ‘Minziro’, as their new head coach

This appointment follows the sacking of Goran Kopunovic, who was dismissed after a disappointing start to the 2024/25 NBC Premier League season.

Kopunovic, who was brought in during the preseason after Pamba Jiji’s promotion from the Championship under head coach Mbwana Makata, failed to secure a single victory in seven Premier League matches. 

Under his leadership, the club recorded four draws and three losses, leaving them at the bottom of the league table. 

Pamba Jiji remain the only team in the Premier League yet to claim a win this season.

Although Kopunovic's side managed draws against teams like Tanzania Prisons, Azam, and Mashujaa, the lack of victories, coupled with back-to-back defeats to Coastal Union and reigning champions Young Africans, ultimately sealed his fate. 

Despite showing glimpses of promise, particularly in creating chances, the team’s failure to convert opportunities into goals led to mounting pressure from fans and management alike.

On Wednesday, the club confirmed Kopunovic’s departure, and just a day later, they unveiled their new coaching staff in a public statement.

“The Pamba Jiji Football Club management is informing the public that they have entered into an agreement with coach Fred Felix 'Minziro' to become their head coach, taking the reins from Goran Kopunovic. 

“Minziro will work with assistant coach Mathias Wandiba. The management wishes them all the best in this period of their new work, as they start with the hope of seeing Pamba Jiji doing well in the Premier League,” the statement read.

Minziro (pictured), known for his previous coaching stints with Kagera Sugar and other Tanzanian clubs, will be tasked with turning around the fortunes of the Mwanza-based side. 

He and his assistant, Wandiba, will make their debut in a critical home fixture against fellow Premier League strugglers Kagera Sugar on Sunday.

With Pamba Jiji still searching for their first win of the campaign, Minziro’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for the team as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone and stabilize their position in Tanzania’s top flight.