Singida Big Stars 'ready for anyone' in Federation Cup semi-finals

04Apr 2023
Michael Mwebe
Sport
The Guardian
Singida Big Stars 'ready for anyone' in Federation Cup semi-finals

SINGIDA Big Stars head coach, Hans van der Pluijm, declares his outfit is ready for anyone and is confident they are prepared to face any side in the last four of this season's Azam Sports Federation Cup (ASFC).

Singida Big Stars FC's head coach, Hans van der Pluijm. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SINGIDA BIG STARS

The club was the first team to reach this season's showdown semi-finals after beating Mbeya City FC 4-1 in the last eight's match that took place at the former's backyard, Liti Stadium, on Saturday.

A brace netted by Brazilian midfielder, Bruno Gomes, complimented goals netted by Ghanaian import Bright Adjei, and Congolese striker Francis Kazadi in a comfortable afternoon for the hosts who are also competing for third place in the 2022/23 NBC Premier League with Azam FC.

Asked who he would like to play, either ASFC defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) or Geita Gold FC, at the semi-final stage, the well-traveled Dutch coach said his ambitious side is ready for anyone.

Pluijm pointed out: We are very happy we have reached the semi-finals. In the first half, I think we played well. The second half was not all that good, maybe the reason is that if you are 3-0 leading then there is a bit of relaxation.

You can not relax against any opponent because you have to be playing with determination and concentration for 90 minutes, the tactician noted.

The boys have done well, they scored four goals and we created significantly more chances. That is okay for me," he disclosed.

We are now going to prepare for the semi-finals, if you want to go to the finals you have to win the semis too.

At the end of the day, if you are on these levels,  it does not make any difference who you meet. You have to beat them if you want to go to the finals, the tactician pointed out.

Singida Big Stars now awaits the winner of the ASFC last-eight clash between Yanga and Geita Gold FC which will be played at Azam Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

The semi-final game between Singida Big Stars and the Yanga vs Geita Gold FC tie's winners is expected to be played at the Liti stadium in Singida at the end of this month.

Winners of the last eight's clash pitting Azam FC against Mtibwa Sugar will face winners of the stage's clash between Simba SC and Ihefu SC in the showdown's other semi-final.

The final is set to be played at Mkwakwani Stadium, Tanga in June. The winner of the ASFC earns a ticket to represent Tanzania in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

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