THE race for promotion from the Mainland Championship League is heating up, with six teams still in contention for a place in Tanzania’s top flight.

First-placed Mtibwa Sugar are certain for automatic promotion, holding a five-point advantage over Mbeya City and Stand United in second and third spots respectively. 

Geita Gold in fourth place are just a point behind Mbeya City and Stand United.

This means that it is likely that Mtibwa Sugar will finish in one of the two automatic promotion spots to secure an immediate return to the topflight.

The fight for second place has been a struggle, with Mbeya City and Stand United clubs occupying the lucrative position in recent times.

Mbeya City have climbed to second place after extending their unbeaten streak to seven games, including four consecutive wins. Their latest triumph, a dominant 4-0 victory over Kiluvya United on Monday, kept them ahead of Stand United on goal difference.

Stand United, once battling in the third division, are now well-positioned to return to the elite after six years away. Their eight-match unbeaten run has put them in strong contention for promotion.

Geita Gold, aiming for an immediate return to the Mainland Premier League following last season’s relegation, have slipped to fourth after consecutive defeats to Mtibwa Sugar and Polisi Tanzania. 

However, a resounding 3-0 win over Mbeya Kwanza keeps them just one point behind third-placed Stand United, while maintaining a four-point lead over fifth-placed TMA.

The Championship League features 16 teams competing in a home-and-away format. The top two teams at the end of the season earn automatic promotion to the Premier League. 

Meanwhile, the teams finishing third and fourth enter promotion playoffs for a final shot at reaching the top tier.

At the other end of the table, the bottom two teams face automatic relegation to the First League.