PAMBA Jiji will lock horns with Tabora United this afternoon at CCM Kirumba Stadium in a pivotal Mainland Premier League encounter, with the early kick-off set for 2 pm in Mwanza.

Sitting precariously on 23 points from 24 matches, Pamba Jiji find themselves in the relegation playoff spot, with just six games remaining to secure their top-flight status. 

Every point is now a lifeline for the hosts, who are desperate to avoid the drop.

Head coach Fred Felix Minziro, who has pledged to steer Pamba Jiji to safety, has kept the team competitive despite their perilous position. 

However, a five-game winless streak in the league, including three defeats, threatens to unravel his efforts. 

Minziro will be banking on his mid-season signings, strikers Mathew Tegisi and Abdoulaye Camara, to turn the tide. 

Tegisi, who joined from Shabana, has notched four goals, while Camara has contributed two, including a vital equalizer in Wednesday’s draw against Namungo.

Standing in their way are an overachieving Tabora United side, who have defied expectations this season to claim fifth place in the standings. 

Their stylish, crisp football has earned them plaudits and raised hopes of a CAF Confederation Cup berth, a long shot, but not out of reach. With ambitions riding high, Tabora know that victories in matches like this are non-negotiable.

Yet, their recent form has dipped, with five games without a win hinting at a possible stumble after a campaign that has far exceeded the modest expectations of a team that clung to survival via the playoffs last season.

Tabora United’s task is complicated by Pamba Jiji’s resurgence against them in the second half of the season. The hosts claimed bragging rights just last week with a victory in the Federation Cup, proving they have the mettle to upset their loftier opponents.

For Tabora United’s head coach Genesis Mangombe, the pressure is mounting. Appointed amid a revolving door of three coaches this season, Mangombe is yet to taste victory in his two games at the helm and will be eager to ease the scrutiny with a result today.

Tabora United will lean on their dynamic attacking pair, Offen Chikola and Heritier Makambo, to unlock Pamba’s defense. 

Chikola leads the charge with seven goals and two assists, while Makambo has chipped in with five goals and four assists, making them key figures in Tabora United’s push for the win.