SINGIDA Black Stars are eager for a strong performance against Young Africans (Yanga) in today’s friendly match, which will mark the inauguration of their new home ground, Airtel Stadium in Singida.

Coach David Ouma’s side is determined to test their competitiveness against the league leaders, having lost both league encounters to Young Africans this season - 1-0 in Zanzibar and 2-1 at KMC Complex.

This friendly also serves as key preparation for Singida Black Stars’ upcoming Mainland Premier League fixture against Fountain Gate FC on April 2. The team recently secured a spot in the Federation Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over KMC on March 13.

Young Africans, on the other hand, view this match as a crucial tune-up for their Federation Cup clash against Songea United on March 29 and a pivotal league encounter against Tabora United at Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium on April 2.

Singida Black Stars spokesperson Hussein Massanza emphasized the importance of this friendly, expressing the club’s determination to secure their first win of the season against Young Africans.

“This match offers our supporters a chance to see their team in action at our new stadium. We also aim to claim our first victory over Young Africans this season,” Massanza said.

He noted that facing the defending champions in both domestic competitions was a deliberate choice to maintain the squad’s competitive edge.

“Our focus is on delivering a strong performance and securing a win, which will give us momentum heading into our upcoming league matches. The team is fully prepared for this challenge,” he added.

Singida Black Stars will be without their top scorer, Elvis Rupia, who has netted nine goals and provided two assists. Additionally, goalkeepers Hussein Masalanga (on international duty with Taifa Stars) and Amas Abasogie will be unavailable.

However, in-form striker Jonathan Sowah, who has been impressive since joining in January with seven goals in as many league matches, is expected to lead the attack. 

Midfielder Marouf Tchakie (five goals, three assists) and goalkeeper Metacha Mnata (seven clean sheets) will also be key players.

Singida Black Stars currently sit fourth in the league standings with 44 points from 23 matches, having won 13, drawn five, and lost five. They have scored 32 goals and conceded 19, holding a goal difference of +13.

Young Africans have arrived in Singida but will miss several key players on international duty, including Duke Abuya, Djigui Diarra, Dickson Job, Ibrahim Hamad, Clement Mzize, Khalid Aucho, Kennedy Musonda, and Prince Dube.

Despite different season objectives, both teams see this match as an opportunity to maintain fitness and readiness during the international break.

Young Africans, who lead the league with 58 points after 22 games, are focused on defending their title, while Singida Black Stars aim to secure a top-four finish.

Young Africans boast the league’s most prolific attack with 58 goals, ahead of Simba’s 52, and have the second-best defensive record with nine goals conceded, just behind Simba’s eight.