The 22 year old utility player made his debut against probably the countries best side, in front of the capacity crowd, at the Uhuru Stadium, Sultan Kittu had only one thing in mind was to make sure Simba leaks holes in its midfield and defence. He did just that.

Sultan Ally Kittu came in for Castory Mumbara who was clearly having an off day in the middle of park, and Rashid gumbo not in the picture, Jumanne chale turned to Sultan Kittu for inspiration, and he didn't disappoint, dragging his opponents from the middle to the left midfield, and penetrating with ease using his stronger left foot, and putting through African Lyon strikers.

Sultan not only proved he can penetrate and tire the countries strongest defence, but also showed that his defending skills could single handed contain Simba's midfield, forcing them to make several changes.

Among the spectators, Marcio Maximo actually questioned as to why he (Sultan) was not introduced earlier and promised to keep a close eye on him, after he has been impressed with Yusuf Soka and Mbwana Samatta.

Sultan Kittu was not the only one who got his debut on the day, another player who impressed was the Kenyan International youngster John Mbugwa was working overtime in the first half to stop Simba's lethal raids on African Lyon's goal, and stood tall.

Speaking to the website, the teams Admin Manager Fadhili Msemi said that sultan was good on the day, but needed some more playing time to cement his newly acquired fame, but he (msemi) was sure Sultan will prove his worth.

“We have many youngsters in our squad who are raring to go, and they have been prepared well by our technical team, I think in the games to come we will be introducing some of them, and the good part is they are hungry, we did loose to Simba on the day, but even they will admit they were totally outplayed, and we were just not lucky enough”

Fadhili said that the team had “recovered” from the loss, and were looking forward to the next game.

“It's part of competition that we lost in a cruel way, it's fine, we have to move on and pick up a few points now, I don't think we deserve to be placed where we are, but I think the coaches know the importance of the next four games, and the players feel they can get the results before we break for midseason”.

Simba Sports Club today continued their 100% run in the league against African Lyon. It was Mussa Hassan Mgosi who scored in the 40 th minute what would eventually be the winning goal with somewhat a lucky header after the referee had awarded Simba a free kick near the box.

Simba who dominated the proceedings in the first half, as it looked African Lyon youngsters were making unforced errors that let Simba come forward, and dominate the midfield after Castory Mumbara looked to be out of the game.

In the second half however things changed with the introduction of Yusuf Soka for Karume Songoro and Sultan Kitu for Castory Mumbara, and African Lyon dominated the game coming close with Robert Sentongo, Mbwana Samatta and Mohamme Samatta who all wasted open chances.

In the 60 th minute, Yusuf Soka headed home from Abu Ubwa's free kick but to everyone's surprise the referee waived for offside and the goal was disallowed.

From there on Simba started wasting time, and deployed a rough game, yet African Lyon kept coming close but the elusive wouldn't arrive till the final minute.

Speaking after the game Jumanne Chale blamed the loss on refereeing decisions for being biased, and said he was surprised that there was no time added on, keeping in mind injuries to Simba's goal keeper and a few other time wasting tactics used by Simba.

The teams were

John Mbugwa, Abdul Masenga, Abu Ubwa, Zubeir Ubwa, Bakari Omari, Victor Isaac, Mohammed Samata, Castory Mumbara (Sultan Kitu 50 mins), Mbwana Samata, Karume Songoro (Yusuf Soka 46 mins) and Robert Sentongo

Unused substitutes Noel Lucas, Benadicto Jackob, Godfrey Komba, Abdallah Mpandachi, Hamis Shengo.

imba Juma Kaseja, Kanoni (Shamte), Juma Jabu, Kevin Yondan, Juma Nyoso, George Owino, Nico Bambaga, Mohammed Banka, Okwi .(Ramadhan), Danny Mrwanda (Kijuso) and Mussa Mgosi

Squad changed to face leaders Simba

Jumanne Chale has made several changes to the squad that has had two consecutive wins over Toto and Manyema respectively.

Speaking to the website Chale said the changes were tactical and some were forced due to injuries and suspensions.

“We are forced to make changes to the squad for tactical reasons, but also we are having some injuries, so we have had to improvise a lot during our final trainings, we will be missing Idrissa Rashid through suspension, while Aziz Sibo has a virus, Stephano is out through a muscle injury”

Jumanne Chale said that African Lyon respected Simba and it would be a tough game for the team, as Simba is a well established side, with excellent players.

“Simba has built this side over the years, they are experiences and right now busting with confidence, and we are a relatively inexperienced side, and most of our players are new to the league so it is a tough game for us, but the trick is how to make it tough for them and try and come out on top, and this is what we plan to do”

In today's game Kenyan International John Mbugwa is set for his premier league debut in the posts, while Abu Ubwa will also make his long awaited debut on the left flank.

In another surprising move African Lyon's star signing Rashid Gumbo and veteran Yahya Issa have been left out of the squad for disciplinary reasons, as Jumanne Chale refused to discuss them, saying he was only discussing the players that will play.

“We are only discussing the game, for any other issues we will discuss after the game, so lets stick to the 18 players and Simba for now”

The expected line up is: John Mbugwa, Bakari Omari, Abu Ubwa, Zubeir Ubwa, Victor Isaac, Castory Mumbara, Abdallah Mpandachi Mohammed Samatta, Mbwana Samata, Karume Songoro and Robert Sentongo.

Substitutes: Noel Lucas, Hamis Shengo, Abdul Masenga, Sultan Kittu, Yusuf Soka, Godfrey Komba and Mohammed Abdallah.

Soft spoken assassin of African Lyon Mohammed Samatta who has so far impressed in the premier league, Mohammed Samatta today has told his fellow team mates that Simba is now really worried.

Mohammed Samatta who has played a part in every game in the premier league said that the statements that Simba are making in the media are a good sing for African Lyon.

“I have gone through some papers and heard Radio's around, surprisingly it's only Simba that is talking, and this signals they are really worried, the better part is not only their spokesman but their entire leadership is looking for media time, it's either we are too big a game for them, and looking for coverage through our (African Lyon's) back, or they probably understand that stopping us would prove difficult”

Samatta admitted that the game would be tough, as African Lyon commands a lot of respect for Simba's players and believe Simba's unbeaten run is credit to their technical bench and players' commitment.

“Simba is a good team, and everyone will want to beat them, and thats no different with us, but our couse is being helped by their leadership coming our shaky, their players have also spoken, and some of the statements actually don't make sense, but we respect them as players”

Samatta who called upon the team to be at ease, prepare like they do with any other team, and play football on the day. Samatta also asked his fellow players to forsake their big names on the pitch.

When questioned about his predictions, Mohammed Samatta said that the players were dertermined to win, and thats the result he is going with, anything else would be like a loss, but he was quick to say football had three results

African Lyon played Simba in a fund raiser in June, 09 when Simba came out on top beating African Lyon 2-1 in a packed stadium.

African Lyon's coach Jumanne Chale potentially faces his toughest test yet against the league's runaway leaders Simba Sports Club who have vowed to continue their unbeaten run in the league against African Lyon on Sunday, but more importantly his job will be more complicated with injury problems.

Aziz Sibo has been ruled out after he went down with a virus this week, while Yahya Issa has a hamstring problem and Hamis Tabhit is still not fully fit as Stephano Nkomola who has started one game against Moro United is also in the growing injury list, and faces a late fitness test.

Speaking to the website, Coach Chale said that his boys were determined to stop Simba it it's tracks, but the injury problem means that he will have to improvise and change a few player positions to cover for the injured.

“We have Godfrey Komba, and Jonahnes Kajuna (youth side) who can do the job but this is a big game and Simba has been scoring a lot of goals consistently and this will compound some problems for us, another player ruled out is Idrisa Rashid through suspension, as he has picked up three yellow cards, Thabit has also failed to recover so the options on the flanks are somewhat limited”.

Robert Sentongo who was in the centre of physical beating from Manyema Rangers and is nursing bruises at the moment, and the coach hopes he will take part in the game while Mbwana Samatta and Yusuf Soka did not train today and were given rest as they had picked up knocks during training.

“I think Mbwana has recovered from his knock two days ago, he did some light training, Yusuf Soka was still rested but I think he will be okay and will resume the afternoon seasion, and we will give him a special program, but Karume Songoro is fully fit and could start”

Mbwana Samatta and Yusuf Soka have each scored three goals in the last two games. The team according to Chale is confident, and the players are in good spirits, the camp conditions are ideal.

“We have all the ingredients for a great game ahead of us, a win is what we are going for and it will boost our chances on the league table to push for top three positions, and stopping Simba will be a good chance for us to prove our selves” said Chale.

Chale also said that he had an idea about the team that will play against Simba, but he would release the final line up on match day.

African Lyon's website has today reached its 100,000 th reader, and it's still the best club website in Tanzania, according to various readers and email received from readers around the world.

The team's website started in October of 2008, and since then the readers have been logging onto the website through word of mouth, as African Lyon has not launched the website officially.

Speaking to the website club's Secretary General said that the club was delighted by the response from all over the world, and from readers of various communities

“We are happy that our website has been a great success, it's something to be proud of, and I can assure you that we are always looking to make it better, and we believe we have the best in Tanzania right now, our main aim to be the most popular website for the Tanzanian Premier League”

The 100,000 reader was an unknown reader from Sofia, Bulgaria who logged on the website at 18:23 hours GMT on 9 th October. However the website is not sophisticated enough to make contact with the person.

The website attracted its most readers in the month of September, 2009 with over 9940 readers logging onto the website, while the lowest readership was in June, 09 with 5004 readers.

The average readership has been 306 clicks a day, with an average of 12 readers every hour. The website has over 100 articles, and most of the articles are found in the website's archive section.

Western Europe had almost 17% of the readers, while England, Canada and the USA had 19% of the readers. Russia China and the Far East accounted for 15% of the clicks, while Tanzania has 23% of the clicks and rest of Africa accounted for 26% with Kenya and Uganda having a total of 11% of the 26%.

Jeshi Zakari called upon the website team to improve in the interviews, pictures and the youth team pages, as they are the least updated pages and the administration and technical pages to have the respective pictures immediately.

Also disappointing is the forum of the team's website, that has received 66,960 readers to date, with only 41 posts and the average view is 205 per day, and 0.1 posts per day. However the forum has 26 registered members.

Jeshi said that club websites around the world had become a source of income, but the current African Lyon website was generating minimal income.

“I understand that the FA's in Europe actually compensate the clubs on the number of clicks on their respective websites, their websites also attracts sponsors from all walks of life, and sadly we haven't had that yet, but I think it's time we should look at this option of income generation seriously”

Jeshi went on to say that the club over the past year has proved that it can run a successful website, and also commended fellow clubs like Azam F.C. and Mtibwa Sugar F.C. who also have successful websites.

“Azam and Mtibwa are doing well, but there is always room for improvement and we can all sit and help each other in this, we are all new to this concept, but it's sad to see that clubs like Simba and Young Africans were yet to establish working sites.

As African Lyon sit out and wait for the rest of the teams battle it out, African Lyon's technical bench will keep a keen eye on the proceedings in various stadiums around the country, in Mwanza Toto Africans and Maji Maji will battle out with both teams needing wins after their recent losses.

Maji Maji after the first loosing two home games, redeemed themselves posing two surprising wins at home over defending champions Young Africans and Mtibwa Sugar, before going down 3-0 to Azam F.C. in Dar Es Salaam, costing their coach his job, while Toto will be looking to get their league back on tract after suffering the heaviest defeat of the season against African Lyon.

In Manungu, Turinani Mtibwa Sugar F.C. against Prisons will be looking to erase memories of loosing two consecutive games against Maji Maji and Young Africans away and home respectively, after their explosive start of to the season, posing 3 wins, in 3 before Maji Maji. This battle of ailing giants will definitely offer a good game strategic game, especially after the arrival of Mtibwa's coach from Germany, where he was undergoing brush up courses, as Prisons picked up only 1 point from possible 6 in their last two games, going down to Azam F.C. and holding Moro United to a nil nil draw.

Mtibwa's cousins Kagera Sugar will want to hold on to their record of never loosing to Young Africans at home in Bukoba's notorious Kaitaba Stadium, while Young Africans after beating Mtibwa away will want to close the gap on early pacesetters and arch rivals Simba, trying to keep them in sight for a possible title showdown and will not take this game lightly. It should be kept in mind Yanga's sponsor Yusuf Manji has recently come out and backed the club to do well in the league.

Yanga's coach Dusan Kondic has a hard time, as his contract runs out in November, and odds are already against Yanga re-appointing him and could become the third coach to leave the premier league, after the departure of Eduardo Almeida of African Lyon, and Maji Maji's Ahmed Mumba.

In principle the most important game for African Lyon will be the game between Simba and Moro United, as the technical bench would like to evaluate Simba before the showdown agaist them (simba) on 11 th October, in Dar Es Salaam. Moro United's owner Azim Dewji was an ardent fan and a sponsor of Simba back in the 90s taking the club to its continental final in 1993.

Meanwhile Azam and JKT Ruvu will wait in the wings for their clash on Sunday, as Azam will try to stop JKT Ruvu's unique brand of football, tough and short passes with blistering pace in counter attacks, while Azam themselves have been going exceptionally well with decent wins.

From the current standings, it is imposible to predict the final table, as the gap between the top and bottom teams is still close, and but odds are now heavily in favour of Simba taking the title from their archrivals, while the relegation shadow is casting over Prisons, Manyema and Toto Africans.

That said, it's too early in the season for predictions, and to be fair this year the league is probably the most competitive of all time, and we can be sure of major upsets, and surprise results throughout the league.

Undoubtedly one of the most improved players this season; Aziz Sibo has today said that next week's game against Simba Sports club will be massive for the players.

Speaking to the website Aziz who could be facing one of the finest wingers in the country Danny Mwranda said that the confidence of the team was at the best possible level, and it's a good time to play Simba.

“First of all lets look at the situation, Simba is on a winning streak, and we are building our own streak too, and we have lost a few games, and we know how it feels, and after scoring 8 goals in two games, any team will be confident to go out and play football, but lets not forget we cannot take things for granted, Liverpool recently beat Hull city 6-1 and lost the following game, we the players believe facing the giants like Simba and Yanga are opportunities for us to show our strength and get noticed, so I believe there is an upset in the making, we believe we can beat them”

Sibo said that if they played like they played against Yanga and take their chances, Simba will face an embarrassing punishment from the “Lions of Mabagala”

“We need to take the game to them, and they will be confused, and if we take our chances, we can actually embarrass them, our performance has not reflected on our results, before meeting Toto Africans, we have wasted almost 25 clear chances in four games, we were clinical against Toto Africans yes, and against Manyema we threw away 6 clear chances, I believe we are probably the most attacking side right now, and this statistic will give Simba something to think about”

When asked about the possibility of facing former Al Tadamon (Kuwait) and National Team's most lethal striker, Aziz said he was looking forward to the challenge.

“I respect him, he is a great player, any Tanzanian wants to be a great player like him, we are all looking to achieve what he has achieved, for me if selected on the day it will be nice to face him and stop him, and ask questions of him and maybe he will hand over the greatness baton to me, more importantly we need the three points more then them (Simba) right now” joked Aziz

African Lyon will face Simba on the 11 th of October, and it's expected to be a cracker, probably more so because the owner of African Lyon Mohammed Dewji was the chief sponsor of Simba Sports club for over 5 years, during the height of Simba's success both domestically and internationally.

Three goals in two matches for each of the 17 year old strikers for African Lyon has again proved the philosophy of African Lyon in keeping faith in young players.

Both players appear for the first time in the premier league, and it took them four games in opening their scoring accounts, with two each and both added one each against Manayema, signalling a clear intent of rising in the scoring charts.

In what could be termed as providence both the players managed to score three goals each, when the pair has played together. What keeps these boys apart is the arrival of Robert Sentongo from Uganda, who is now their mentor, who started last two games with POPA (Mbwana Samatta) and Yusuf Soka given 45 minutes to create havoc in opposition goal, fortune would say it, only after the introduction of Soka, Mbwana comes to light, with a great understanding, and they both dominate the attack, leaving other attacking players as mere accomplices to their exploits.

Soka scored two goals in less then 10 minutes against Toto Africans, and handed the baton to Mbwana who responded with an identical response scoring 2 in 10 minutes, in the second half to demolish Toto Africans 6-1, after two first half goals from Rashid Gumbo and Robert Sentongo.

Against Manyema, Yusuf Soka need 5 minutes to get his name on the scoring charts, and merely 10 minutes after Manyema equalised, Popa responded and scored for African Lyon's goal, what would become the winning goal.

Mbwana Samatta who has made 27 appearances for the team in total including friendly games, has managed 26 goals, making him the teams leading scorer of all time, however in 2008 Mbwana made 10 appearances, only 3 of which were in friendly games without scoring and out of the 7 appearances in the first division, Mbwana scored 7 making him the league's top scorer. Mbwana's preparation were hampered by his commitment to school in the year, however in the later part of the season, Mbwana came out with force, but also the credit goes to his partnership with Yusuf Soka in later part of the season.

Yusuf Soka on the other hand, also hampered by his school commitments, had a slow start to his career however he appeared in 12 games, scoring 6 goals, out of which 4 were in friendly games without goals, but obviously impressed in the first division scoring 6 times in 8 appearances many of which were from the bench. This year however Yusuf Soka is close to achieving last year's feat and has appeared in 6 league games, scoring 3 times, and in 2 appearances in friendly games scoring 3 times, highlight of which being 2 memorable goals against defending champions Young Africans in the second half in a friendly game to silence Young Africans 3-2.

The famous POPA SOKA combination is now back in full gear, and the goals are flowing for African Lyon, but there has to be a mention of POPA's older brother Mohammed Samatta who initially was written off as a squad player, has engineered almost 3 goals for both Soka and Popa in the last two games, himself making 6 appearances in the league.

The 19 year old's stylish footwork and intelligent play has overshadowed his small frame, and he is pushing for regular first team football in an idolising way for youngsters.

Mohammed Samatta concedes that his younger brother Mbwana Popa Samatta is a far better player, with a great future ahead of him, and he has to work very hard to keep pace, but he is now coping and there will be more to come from him.

“I am trying my best, pushing myself very hard, Mbwana is a natural goal getter, he is sleek, it's difficult to keep up with him, and there is a lot of weight on me to keep up, with Soka around, Mbwana is comfortable and their understanding is amazing, they are very different type of players, Mbwana is a sleek finisher with a lot of skills, while Soka is strong, and great shooter, both are good in the air, and that is great for the team, they compliment each other really well” said Mohammed Samatta.

Also speaking to the website veteran striker Karume Songoro said that initially he had underestimated the Popa Soka phenomenon.

“I thought it was a myth initially, but the results speak for themselves, these boys are good, I speak from experience, I have played in bigger teams, and I have not seen such sensational players. They are very well disciplined, and their work rate is amazing, I am sure they will go very far, this is proving to be the most lethal partnership in the league, having scored 6 between them already. They are great assets for the team, it's now our role as seniors to put keep them in check, and guide them” said Karume.

• Soka, Samatta combination prooving lethel

It was Yusuf Soka's 60 th minute strike that silenced hard fighting Manyema Rangers. “Super Sub” Yusuf Soka was introduced in the 46 th minute by Juma Chale. He changed the proceedings and brought life into attack with his physical presence, after a first half of missed chances from Mbwana Samatta, Robert Sentongo and Idrissa Rashid.

African Lyon will be lenient on their strikers, as Manyema Rangers had deployed a physical game that earned them three yellow cards in the first half.

Manyema Rangers were lucky to have completed the first half without conceding. After Yusuf Soka's introduction and immediate impact, Manyema Rangers equalised throughAlly Mohammed's free header following Ally Musa's well taken corner kick, taking the game to another gear.

It was the determination of African Lyon strikers that kept attacking from every possible side, but the final touch kept eluding the orange boys, forcing Juma Chale to introduce Mohammed Samatta for Idrissa Rashid, and the changes brought immediate impact as the stylish footwork of Mohammed Samatta started to give the strikers more options, and it was Mohammed Sammatta's trickery that allowed him to round up the defence of Manyema Rangers, and put in a cross which was connected directly by his younger brother Mbwana Samatta to register African Lyon's second in the 73 rd minute.

Manyema who initially looked happy with a draw pushed hard for an equaliser, but could not create any thing substantial to threaten African Lyon's defence, and looked venerable on counter attacks through Robert Sentongo and Yusuf Soka, who gave arguably the man of the match performance today.

Speaking after the game Juma Chale said that he was happy his boys came out on top, blaming Manyema for their cheap tactics of going for players legs rather then the ball.

"I am happy, but more so my boys came out uninjured, but my boys deserved it, we've had a turbulent week, we have almost 10 days to prepare for our next game, and I think we are on a good run, our confidence going into the next game should be great” said Chale.

Teams were

African Lyon: Noel Lucas, Aziz Sibo, Hamis Shengo, Zubeir Ubwa, Bakari Omari (Abdul Masenga 58 mins), Victor Isaac, Mohammed Abdalla (Yusuf Soka 46 mins), Rashid Gumbo, Robert Sentongo, Mbwana Samatta, Idrissa Rashis (Mohammed Samatta 68 mins)

Substitutes : Karume Songoro, Abu Ubwa, John Mbugwa, Castory Mumbara.

Manyema: Boniface Bwiru, Yusuf Mkuchika, Yusuf Nguya, Menard Mgaya, Buji Selemani, Amoa Kefa Zulu, Julias Mrope, Sixbert Mohammed, Patrick Mrope, Mussa Kipao and Ally Mohammed

Chale's squad unchanged from last win

Jumanne Chale said today that he will almost most likely name an unchanged side that trashed Toto Africans last Saturday.

Speaking to the website Chale said that the boys had played well, controlled the game, and he most likely field the same side, as he had not had much time in preparing the team.

“I just had one training with them, but i know them well, however whenever there are changes, there is a chance the philosophy will change, but this is not the time, so I am waiting until the last minute to name my squad, but expect no or less changes”

“The next match against Simba was as important, so if the results are in African Lyon's favour I will give a run to some players that could feature in the coming games, we have not had a very good run in the league so some players were not used at all, but they form an integral part of them team, so why not give them a few minutes”

Chale refused to make any further comments, saying that he will speak after the game.

Possible line up : Noel Lucas, Aziz Sibo, Hamis Shengo, Zubeir Ubwa, Bakari Omari, Victor Isaac, Mohammed Abdallah, Rashid Gumbo, Mbwana Samatta, Robert Sentongo and Idrissa Rashid.

Substitutes : John Mbugwa, Abu Ubwa, Abdul Masenga, Castory Mumbara, Mohammed Samatta, Yusuf Soka and Karume Songoro

Speaking minutes after being declared in charge of the team against Manyema Rangers, Jumanne Chale said that he feels Manyema Rangers is a tricky opposition, but his boys will be ready for the game.

“I do not want to make any comment on the departure of my predecessor or my own future as the Head Coach, I think the management has been very clear with me in the role they want me to play, they have specifically told me that they want my predecessor's replacement, and I feel my time will come, I am happy to stay here, this club is going miles ahead in the future, I have to look at the job in hand and that is Manyema Rangers”

Chale further told the website that Manyema was a tricky opposition and was quoted saying “They are always playing very tough physical football, their coach Kibadeni is a good guy with a lot of experience, this game is very tricky for us, and our preparations have not been great for this game, but we have the experience to change and improvise. We know them well, and we have played three times last season in the first division and all three times we drew our games, so we know their philosophy, and we will come out on top this time I am sure”

Speaking to the website the team's stand in Captain Zubeir Ubwa said that the boys were in high spirits and this game was going to be the ground work for the next opponents Simba Sports Club, who are unbeaten in the league so far.

“Simba are definatly early favourites and for us it's is important to knick points out of them, Manyema is a tough game too, but we are confident of three points there, and this will take us out of the danger zone, ofcourse it's still early in the league but we need to have a plan B early on, and this is what we are doing”.

When questioned about the changes in the technical bench Zubeir responded by saying

“Technical Bench changes have taken the players by surprise, but we are professionals, and we have to move on, we all respect Chale, he is a great personality around the club, and his experience is important to one and all, and he has been around throughout the reign of our previous coach, so I am sure he knows the team, and we all believe our Directors will absolutely bring in the right person given the circumstances”.

Chale declined to give any indication of changes in the playing personnel saying that he had all the players fully fit but two.

“Hamis Thabit is not fully recovered, while Idrissa picked up a knock in our last game and has had light training, and he maybe will be subject to a late fitness test, but we have enough fire power on the left flank, with Abu Ubwa, Hamis Shengo, Sultan Kittu all fit, Robert Sentongo can also play effectively there, so I am not worried, as for Thabit we need to give this young lad time.

Last time Chale took full control of the team, African Lyon came from 2-1 down to win 3-1 against defending champions Young Africans in friendly game.

29th September, 2009

“African Lyon Football Club and Eduardo Almeida have agreed to dissolve all contract(s) between the two parties concerned today (Tuesday) by mutual consent”.

African Lyon Football club would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Eduardo for his loyal services to the club, and regret that the bond between us could not go further, we believe Eduardo is a capable coach, and would like to wish him well in his future endeavors.

The club has appointed assistant coach Jumanne Chale to immediately take charge of the team against Manyema Rangers while the club looks into possible replacement.

African Lyon will not comment on possible replacements or will not speculate and will not make any further comments on this matter.

We have also directed all those involved with the club not to speak about this matter, any further information on this matter will not be the liability of African Lyon football club".

Ugandan International Robert Sentongo has said that it is possible that the teams finishing problem that haunted the strikers maybe behind them, and now the confidence in front of goal was high especially among the younger lads.

Sentongo was not particularly happy to after being substituted in the 60 minute and his place taken by Mohammed Samata, said that he was sure the team was going for a goal brace and his tally could have been far bigger then just the one goal.

“I ran down the Toto defence, and I could see they started leaking, and I knew it was a matter of time we were going to exploit the situation, we were 3-1 up at that stage, and I spoke to my fellow strikers about the leaks appearing in Toto's defence, I was actually surprised that I was taken off and a midfielder was brought in, especially when we had full control of the game, I would have thought the coach would have used my pace, but I guess he is the boss, and the team got their much needed confidence in front of goal, so it was a good and much needed win”

Robert Sentongo has paid tribute to fellow strikers Yusuf Soka and Mbwana Samatta, saying they are going to be a sensation in Tanzania in a season or two.

“Yusuf is strong, and a true fighter, he is not afraid of any situation in 50-50 balls he will come out on top, while Mbwana has the skills to round off a defence, and dribble, these boys are good, it's fun working with them, they are still young, but they have a great future ahead of them, I respect them a lot, and they have been great with me, and they want to learn from me, I am still young too, and i think the three of us will form the most lethal partnership in East Africa”

Robert Sentongo told the website the strikers felt uneasy after missing chances in the first three games, but was sure that that problem is behind them and they will attack with purpose, and conviction.

“Football is watch by millions and thousands have been analysing African Lyon, and no one understands why we play so well but were not scoring, it was causing us a lot of uneasiness but after Toto I think we have more confidence and we also want to thank our fellow team mates for their support, but they also understand it's not easy to score 6 goals in a premier league game, all the teams play top level football

Our next game is Manyema Rangers, they are a good side, very tough and more physical, so we have to be careful and improvise a lot more in attack, I think it will be a tough game for us” said Sentongo.

Club's secretary general Jeshi Zakaria, today reiterated that the team was correct by showing faith in young starlets, and feel that they have done enough to prove that they could someday become huge stars.

“When we were registering the team, we knew the importance of these youngsters, and I can assure you African Lyon was praised all over by being a young team in terms of age, we saw this and we had faith in them, and maybe he (Eduardo) did overlook them in their positioning earlier, but football is an open game, and it's evident that players like Mbwana Samatta and Yusuf Soka can prove unstoppable and can change the game in minutes” said Jeshi.

Over the past year, players like Mbwana Samatta and Yusuf Soka have proved themselves in every game, and it's important now we build a team around them, they deserve every bit of praise and they have shown maturity to overcome so much pressure and three defeats and to score 4 goals between them is a fantastic response, they dismantled Toto Africans in every way possible, we could have scored 12 goals.

Jeshi also said that younger players like Mbwana Samatta's brother Mohammed Samatta, Hamis Thabit, Aziz Sibo, Abu Ubwa and Idrissa Rashid will come through and shine even more, while those in line Rajabu Isihaka, Sultan Kas Kas, Said Khalfan, Benadicto Jackob and Johannes Kajuna if given the right care will build probably the spine of a great team in the next couple of years.

“I think Eduardo might have overlooked them, but we know their quality, and we have instructed our youth coaches to work on them, I think now we should just work on consistency in performance, and keeping them in check, I think we will have a strong team this season and a real contender the next season.

We also have players like Victor Isaac, Mohammed Abdallah, Sultan Kittu, Abdul Masenga, Stephano Nkomola who are committed 100% to our team, and maybe a little confidence booster will yield great results out of them for the team, we have overlooked them in the last few games, but Victor Isaac and Mohammed Abdallah played extremely well in yesterdays' win but we also have to appreciate Zubeir Ubwa and Bakari Omari for fitting into the side so seamlessly.”.

Jeshi however reminded the players and the technical staff that it's only three days before another tough duel, and it will take a lot of nerve to live up to expectations, but living up to expectations or not, three points on offer should be the target, and the priority.

“We have just won one match our first win in the premier league, a great milestone, great first win, biggest win so far in the season, but it was on Saturday, Wednesday is another game and Manyema Rangers should be treated with respect, but at the end we have our three points at stake, and we need them right now” said Jeshi.

• Toto African beaten 6-1,
• Mbwana Samatta, Yusuf Soka now on Fire with two each

It took the 1st minute for Rashid Gumbo to open what was going to be the biggest win of the season in the premier league, from a free kick. In the 25th minute Robert Sentongo rounded up the Toto African defence when he was put through by Mohammed Abdallah to open his account for the season. To make it 2-0.

The finishing problems kept persisting, with Mbwana Samatta shooting wide twice and Idrisa Rashid wasting several chances, at the half time it was 2-0 for African Lyon

In the second half Yusuf Soka came in for Mohammed Abdallah, and the changes started paying off as Soka came close to scoring but was brought down just outside the box, and Idrisa Rashid's free kick went inches wide.

Toto African started playing some organised football and forced Hamis Shengo to make a mistake in African Lyon's half, and overlapping Ally Sultan was put through by Jackob Masawe for a tap in.

African Lyon responded two minutes later when Yusuf Soka dribbled square of the penalty box, before taking a powerful shot that left Toto Africans keeper stranded, and Toto Africans responded by substituting goal keeper Hussein Tade with former African Lyon (Mbagala Market) goal keeper Davo, however the changes did not stop Yusuf Soka from registering his second 8 minutes later when he drifted inside from the left flank to round of the keeper. By then it was 4-1

Mbwana Samatta 5 minutes later left Toto defenders hanging, from the centre of the park, and placed the ball to the keepers left to register African Lyon's 5 th goal, with the fans asking for more goals, Mbwana Samatta then took matters in his own hands, and dribbled passed 4 defenders to register the final goal and African Lyon's 6 th .

At the final whistle, it was evident that the players were relieved and having bounced back to winning ways, after three consecutive defeats.

After the game man of the match Mbwana Samatta said that he was happy for the team, and the fact that the technical bench saw the importance of restoring his partnership with Soka was a big plus, but also commended his fellow players for being mentally tough, and conceded that the match was over and the focus would now shift to Manyema Rangers.

Line Up Noel Lucas, Aziz Sibo, Hamis Shengo, Zubeir Ubwa, Bakari Omari, Victor Isaac (Castory Mumbara), Mohammed Abdalalh (Yusuf Soka 46 mins), Rashid Gumbo, Robert Sentongo (Mohammed Samatta 60 mins ), Mbwana Samatta, Idrissa Rashid.

Unused subs : John Mbugwa, Karume Songoro, Abu Ubwa, Abdul Masenga

Toto African Line up Hussein Tade, Ally Sultan, Philemon Mandasile, Athumani Kibarati, William Kusilu, Kessy Kangala, Jacob Maswawe, Moses Tandika, Sebastian Kapelo, Juma Seif, Ben Kitangita.

Eduardo to lead African Lyon onslaught

Fully fit and ready to fire on all cylinders, African Lyon players will today be lead by Coach Eduardo Almeida on the pitch fighting for three points against Toto African.

African Lyon has endured a very difficult week, with a wave of speculation hitting the club in the local media about the fate of the technical bench, with some media houses speculating that Eduardo has left the country.

Jeshi Zakaria confirmed that there were high level meetings in the club to discuss a wide range of issues, but most importantly the club owners have understood our position and given out short term directives to improve, and the club is in great harmony contrary to reports in the local media.

Jeshi however declined to give away any details, sighting the club will release an official statement as per agreed date of announcement, in the meantime the team was focused in winning today's match against fellow strugglers Toto African to cement a revival.

Speaking to the website the teams manager Fadhili Msemi said that the first team was fully fit and ready for a fight, however young starlets Hamis Thabit and Said Khalfan who represented the nation in the under 17 were ruled out in the first team today, due to a virus and ankle injury respectively.

Young Striker Sultan “Kaskas” has been training with the first team this week, and has been an impressive talent, having bagged four goals in the junior league in as many games.

Toto Africans themselves a unpredictable and dangerous side, will also go into the game vying for their first win, in the league after drawing two home games against Moro United and Azam and loosing two away games, to Simba and Manyema, but will be without African Lyon's Striker Semi Kessy who is on a red card, while African Lyon has played impressive football but only managed one draw against the defending Champions and loosing three in a row to Mtibwa, Prisons and Moro United respectively.

Toto African's coach and former National Team goal keeper Mbwana Makata said that their loss against Manyema was hard done by, but this time they are prepared to actually attack the opponent's goal early on.

Mbwana Samatta makes his comeback after recovering in time, while castor Mumbara has been left out, and his place taken by Victor Isaac, Stephano and Abu Ubwa take their places in the bench, while Gumbo and Sentongo retian their first team places. Mohammed Samatta who has started all the games will drop to the bench and Mohammed Abdallah has been recalled and will make his Premier league debut.

Today's line up is Noel Lucas, Aziz Sibo, Hamis Shengo, Zubeir Ubwa, Bakari Omari, Victor Isaac, Mohammed Abdallah, Rashid Gumbo, Mbwana Samatta, Robert Sentongo and Idrisa Rashid.

Substitutes John Mbugwa, Mohammed Samatta, Abdul Masenga, Abu Ubwa, Stephano Nkomola, Karume Songoro and Yusuf Abbas Soka.

African Lyon's star signing Rashid Gumbo has made bold comments saying there is no ways under the living sun African Lyon will loose more points, and has warned rivals that his fellow players are determined more then ever to start picking up vital points.

“I can promise you one thing, a win, but not only a win it's going to be a big win for us, there is no ways we can loose any more, we have seen the sourness of a draw against Yanga, and tasted the bitterness of loosing three games, now we want to taste the sweetness of wins, and as young kids, i know we will like the taste of winning, and we will keep it up” said Gumbo.

Gumbo said that the strikers of the team are young, and inexperienced, but the last four games have “thought” them to stand up for themselves.

The highly rated midfielder and National Team playmaker said that Mbwana Samatta and Yusuf Soka were young, at the tender age of 17, while Karume Songoro and Ugandan International Robert Sentongo were new to the side and getting acquainted and maybe that's the reason why African Lyon gave away almost 24 “open” chances in the 4 games.

“Think about it, we had 6 clear chances against Yanga and a missed penalty , 3 chances against Mtibwa, 6 against Prisons including a couple of legitimate penalty appeals, and against Moro United in the first half we blew away 5 chances and two in the second half, even if we took half of those we would be the league top scorers, so it's up to us that we take them, and we have been working on that, so I doubt if Toto can stand a chance, and I think everyone knows we are a good side everyone could see we missed the open chances I am talking about, and a win is only what we want to start the ball rolling in the right direction we are finished loosing now.

I am not blaming the striking force, because I have missed a few chances myself, but we are working as a team, and this time it will be different I can promise you” said Gumbo.

Gumbo brushed aside reports in the local media claiming Manyema was preparing for a goal feast against African Lyon, sighting that if there was a match that the players were now thinking was to hand Simba their first defeat of the season.

Moro United utilised the one defensive error by African Lyon to hand a third defeat in a row for African Lyon in the on going premier league.

The game started with both teams looking nervous and reading their opponents, but it was African Lyon who totally dominated the first half proceedings, with 5 clear goal scoring opportunities that went begging.

In the 5 th minute Robert Sentongo played Rashid Gumbo, but Rashid could only hit wide, while in the 12 th Robert also could not finish a goal keeping blunder off a Idrisa Rashid corner, his weak shot hitting the post, and desperately cleared off the line by Moro United.

In the 20 th minute Robert Sentongo drifted away from Moro Defenders, but cvould not convert against when left he faced Moro United's goal keeper and two minutes later Castory Mumbara's shot went desperately wide.

The game continued to be dominated by Lyon in the first half with more chances wasted, it was as if Moro United were hoping for the half time whistle.

In the Second half Moro United took charge of the midfield, outshining Castory Mumbara, while coach Eduardo pulled out Castory Mumbara and Abdallah Mpandachi for youngsters Hamis Thabit and Yusuf Soka to try and add attacking options in the 55 th minute, when the game suddenly unorganised by both sides, making unforced errors.

In the 60 minute a defensive mix up between Shengo and goal keeper Noel Lucas, gave Moro United's striker to lob over Noel Lucas for probably the easiest goal he would score.

In the 70 th minute defender Hamis Shengo was pulled out for Karume Songoro, the changes did result into more chances that went begging. In the 80 th and 85 th minute African Lyon playing more advanced were lucky not to concede goals, with Noel Lucas coming up with two fantastic saves when Moro United strikers were left one on one with Noel.

Team: Noel Lucas, Stephano Nkomola, Hamis Shengo (Karume Songoro 70 mins), Bakari Omari, Zuberi Ubwa, Castory Mumbara (Hamis thabit 55 mins), Abdallah Mpandachi (Yusuf Soka 55 mins), Mohammed Samatta, Robert Sentongo, Rashid Gumbo, Idrisa Rashid.

Meanwhile club's Secretary General said after the game that there will be “corrective measures” coming soon prior to the next match on Saturday, although he did not elaborate.

Win is vital for confidence – Jeshi

The team's secretary General Jeshi Zakaria has reiterated the importance of African Lyon coming up with a win today against Moro United, after having lost back to back against Mtibwa and Prisons respectively.

Speaking to the website Jeshi said that Moro United were outsiders before the league started but have shown their quality by pulling out draws in the lake region before going down heroically to Azam F.C. in a game they should have probably scored.

“Moro United have scored 5 goals in 3 games, and conceded 6, with two draws, this is a good side, they are scoring goals, in the other hand African Lyon has managed only one goal in three, loosing two games, keeping this in mind, Moro united has the upper hand in this game, and African Lyon will have to pick up points to gain some confidence for the other two games the follow closely, Manyema has picked up wins of late, and Toto Africans look dangerous as they will regroup after two loses” said Jeshi

Jeshi rubbished claims that the team was under pressure to win, sighting that the earlier plan was survival, and not the championship, however he did say that the coach Eduardo was under the spotlight and it was paramount he rectified his teams' problems.

“We have noted problems in the past games; we have been playing good football, but not scoring, he (Eduardo) understands the league has only 12 teams, and 3 teams are relegated, so it is important we pick up points early, we haven't done that, and Eduardo has tried to rectify the problems, so we will see” said Jeshi

In today's Stephano Nkomola has been recalled to the side ahead of Aziz Sibo, while Ugandan international will sit in the bench in favour of Karume Songoro, Mbwana Samatta has been ruled out, while Abu Ubwa will still warm the bench to give way to Shengo. Meanwhile teenage sensation Hamis Thabit will also be on the bench from the youth team.

Regulations allow upto 5 youth players to play any premier league match.

The full line us expected is

Noel Lucas, Stephano Nkomola, Bakari Omari, Zubeir Ubwa, Hamis Shengo, Castory Mumbara, Abdallah Mpandachi, Mohammed Samatta, Karume Songoro, Rashid Gumbo, Idrissa Rashid.

Mbwana Samatta has been ruled for the Moro United Clash, Initially it was said that Mbwana would resume training on Tuesday to push for a place in the starting line up, but his recovery has been slow from a virus attack.

Speaking to the website African Lyons team manager Fadhili Msemi said that Moro United game was extremely crucial for African Lyon, and the team was contemplating a win as no other result would be appreciated by the management.

“Moro United is a good side, with a very good coach they have many young players, and have rebuilt most of the team, they are obviously not going to be in the same position they were last year, where their fate was not in their own hands on the last day of the season, to avoid relegation, we have to be careful, but I am sure every single person in our camp is only thinking about a victory. We know it's only a matter of time before we open floodgates of goals, we have been playing extremely well, and we don't deserve to be bottom of the table, but there are many games left, and we will only rise in the table, not having Mbwana Samatta is a big disappointment for the team”.

Fadili continued to say that the teams Ugandan Star Robert Sentongo was fit to play and had training with the team, upon his arrival from Kampala where he was called to play for his clan, he scored both the goals in the finals, Sentongo's clan won 2-0.

In another development, Kenyan goalkeeper John Mbugwa has not reported to training, as he has failed to recover from a shoulder injury that has kept him out in the last three games, while young understudy Hamadi Waziri is also a doubt leaving Noel Lucas as the only fit goal keeper in the first team.

“We cant really call it a goal keeping crises, because our Youth Squad has two very good goal keepers, Mussa Yusuf who playing for Zanzibar Heros, (National Team) and Yusuf Abdul, they can very well be in the first squad, we believe we have good project players there” said Fadhili

Hamis Tabit who recently has created a cult following of his own in Tanzania, after his heroic performances in the National Under 17 squad in Sudan could make his first team debut in the premier league from the team's youth squad, while Benedicto Jackob and Johanes Kajuna will have to wait for their premier league dubut as they have been representing their school in inter secondary school challenges in Kampala, while Under 17 Striker Said Khalfan has been ruled out for a month after he picked of a knock in Sudan

Club's secretary General has called upon interim Secretary General of now a defunct Premier League Club's Union (UTAFOC) Jamal Bayser to revive the union and call for an urgent meeting of the club leaders to revive the union and make it stronger, for the sake of clubs.

Speaking to the website, Jeshi Zakaria said that a club's body is extremely important, in football development in Tanzania, and the body should have a united stand in the interest of the clubs.

“To be fair, all the clubs have a lot of issues which they are communicating in different ways to Tanzania Football Federation, however should we have had a Union, the issues that are directly effecting all the clubs will be much easier to put forward, and there are other issues which a lot of clubs feel they are in dark, issued like the Vodacom sponsorship, Gate Collections, Fines, Bans and a lot of other agenda's that could have a single voice, cause we believe both clubs and TFF have good intentions”.

It is paramount that the clubs have a voice in TFF, this is because it's the clubs that make the Premier League happen, and the clubs should command a say in the league.

“In Issues like sponsorships, its evident that the current league sponsor is getting away with small handouts to clubs, and the returns seems much more from the clubs, for example the sponsorship contract is not provided to the clubs, the clubs union should discuss the contract and have a say in approving it, this is because it's the clubs that play the games.

Currently Vodacom is paying close to 20 million Only for the season plus equipments, while the running costs of a team ican be as big as 300 million, while Vodacom is getting 60% of visibility on the match shirts, and for small clubs the total income with the gates is less then 100 million, the deficit has to be subsidised by well wishers, but the question you have to ask is until when will our football be well wished? We need to make changes there, and the Union has to be really active.” Questioned Jeshi

African Lyon feels that the equipments provided by the sponsor are not genuine as the brand suggests on the equipments, and this is something to look at seriously.

“Once the Union is strong, even the Vice Presidents elections will not be necessary, the Union can suggest rectification of the current constitution of TFF whereby the chairperson of the union should be automatically become the Vice President, this will aid the clubs have a bigger say in the Federation.

Ofcourse, in the future the Federation should look into privatising the Premier League, like other nations like the England, or South Africa or Kenya, where the Premier League is not run by the federation directly.

Most important is the Union should be able to stand ground, and all the clubs should show solidarity to the Union.” concluded Jeshi

Coach Eduardo Almeida has reiterated that lack of concentration and finishing are the main causes African Lyon has dropped 8 points in the league so far from three games.

“We have played well, created chances and the strikers can't seem to get the ball into the net, and this is the main problem right now, and the goals we concede are mostly from set pieces rather then open play, and all of them have come against the run of play. The good thing is we know what the problem is, and we are working to solve this, of course there will be changes in the squad, but I think even the players understand the importance of starting to pick up points, especially in the next few games”

Eduardo also admitted the sides he faced were “big” clubs, and it was not a matter of a few games to beat them regularly, as their experience is an important factor to force errors.

“We have spoken to the players about the seriousness of the situation and they understand how important the next few games are, I have seen a lot of changes in their approach, but also the players that have not been getting nods are pushing for places, this is a good headache for the technical bench” said Eduardo

Eduardo went on to say that once the goals start coming it will boost the confidence of young strikers, this is vital, everyone seems to have forgotten the last games, it's over, none can do anything now, but Eduardo said the players are now focused on Moro United.

“We will be taking each game as it comes from this point forward, we have to remember our focus is survival and not the championship, we are a young side, and we have player two away games against Yanga and Prisons, so there are many games left to recover, and recover we shall do”

Also speaking to the website, Mbwana Samatta said that it was a matter of time he started scoring.

“We had never played at this stage, it's different from the lower division, but we will continue to push, we have shrugged off nervousness in the last three games, I just want to tell our fans that Moro United will see all the hype about African Lyon, I will start from there”

Clubs Secretary General Jeshi Zakaria has insisted African Lyon will not panic - despite admitting his side is finding it difficult to score.
 
The Orange Boys have picked up just one point from the last 9 on offer in the Premiership and have now dropped to the bottom league table early in the season.
 
But Jeshi is adamant that now is not the time for hasty decisions as Coach Eduardo bids to guide his side back to winning ways.
 
He said: "We have got to be careful with how we react because you can be destructive, the management has to show support to the technical bench and the players”
 
"This is a period when if you throw tea cups at the players then that would be wrong. When you are going through a crisis you have to show you are one of them.”
 
"We have told the players to stick together and to keep believing in what they are doing. They were very unlucky at Prisons. You could feel the frustration building in our team on Saturday."
 
The message is don't panic," declared Jeshi. "I know people are going to look at the score and be shocked, because we have controlled two of the three games we played, against Yanga and Prisons.

"It's never a nice feeling to lose any game for African Lyon, but what happened at the end was understandable. This trip has been all about finishing and it's been a tough ten days, but it's going to be different against Moro United."

I know people are talking a lot about scoring a lot of goals. That's what we would like to happen, but we need to be clever and use our experience of this situation, we have Karume and Sentongo as experienced strikers, while Mbwana and Soka are young lads and still learning, so we need to gel a decent combination.
 
"We've shown in the past that no matter how difficult our position, we can come back. We did it against Yanga, and a few pre season games, people seem to forget we are a young side, and still new in the league, but we defiantly plan to stay in the top flight for a long time.”

“Teams like Manchester United last season, Liverpool this season have lost early on, and I don't think anyone will doubt that they will be challenging for top places soon, Mtibwa last year lost four opening games, we are no different, we just have to believe the goals will start flowing, because we are controlling games” said Jesh

21 st minute strike by Prisons midfielder Benjamin Asukile was enough to send African Lyon into their second defeat in a row, but as experts say Football is a funny game this was true, as African Lyon controlled the whole of second half but could not finish in front of Prisons goal.

African Lyon were the first to test Prison's defence in the 4 th minute with Karume shooting wide when he was one on one against the Prisons goal keeper.

From there on the game was mostly played in the midfield, and Hamis Shengo's half hearted clearance left the scorer with a good sight of goal, and unleashed a 30 meters screamer straight into Noel Lucas's goal.

In the second half African Lyon withdrew Karume Songoro for Abdallah Mpandachi and Castory Mumbara for Mohammed Samatta, the changes brought life into the game, but the strikers were still rusty in front of goal, in the last ditch effort to secure a draw, defender Hamis Shengo made way for Yusuf Soka, and African Lyon pressed hard for an equaliser, but Prisons defended gallantly to deny any opening for African Lyon

In other matches today, Simba came from behind to beat 10 man Toto African 3-1. Simba's comeback was propelled by a first half penalty, and two second half goals from Haruna Moshi and Emnauel Okwi. While Maji Maji revived their form to beat defending Champions Young Africans at home 1-0, a 75th minute goal from veteran and ex Young Africans striker Thomas Moris.

Team: African Lyon Noel Lucas, Aziz Sibo, Hamis Shengo (Yusuf Soka 82 mins), Zubeir Ubwa, Bakari Omari, Castory Mumbara (Mohammed Samatta 60 mins), Robert Sentongo, Rashid Gumbo, Karume Songoro (Abdallah Mpandachi 65 mins), Mbwana Samatta and Idrissa Rashid

Prisons will face an avalanche – Soka

• Mtibwa win again.

“We are not used to loosing, we have never lost two straight games, in friendly games or competitive matches, and to be honest we care less who we face, our task is to go out and win” these are the words of 17 year old ace striker Yusuf Soka.

Soka said that the defeat against Mtibwa has really affected the players, who can not comprehend how they lost, but the players are not ready to drop more points.

“For us it's all about survival, and like our coach has said the earlier we secure our survival the better, we want to do that within the first ten games, and then we can think about other positions to challenge. Prisons know we are a good side, I think they are really nervous to face us, and thats why they have been talking a lot in the local media, we know our task, and we will win, for this I am sure” a confident Soka said.

Soka admitted that the scramble for first team places is stiff in the team, with the arrival of Sentongo, Gumbo and Karume Songoro, and the initial starters of the team were misfiring in the last two games.

“I don't know if I will start, but whatever the case I believe all the players understand the importance of this game, and they also understand Prisons have lost all their games at home, so they will be out there to win, but we will come out in force, an avalanche will hit them today” said the 17 year old National Team player.

In other matches, Simba will face Toto Africans from Mwanza in Dar Es Salaam's Uhuru Stadium. Simba will have bitter memories when they met Toto in the first leg last year, they were well beaten by Toto Africans 4-0. While Maji Maji's coach Hassan has said that he will resign should his team succumb the a third defeat in a row at home to defending Champions Young Africans, while his counterpart Serbian Dusan Kondich said that Maji Maji should refer to Manyema before talking.

Yesterday Mtibwa beat JKT Ruvu 1-0 in a one sided game that was dominated by JKT-Ruvu, leaving Mtibwa and Simba as the only sides with 100% points tally in three games

Todays' line up is expected to be Noel Lucas, Aziz sibo, , Hamis Shengo, Bakari Omari, Zubeir Ubwa, Castory Mumbara, Robert Sentongo, Rashid Gumbo, Karume Songoro, Mbwana Samatta, Idrissa Rashid

Subs: Hamadi Waziri, Abu Ubwa, Sultan Kittu, Abdallah Mpandachi, Victor Isaac, Mohammed Samatta and Yahya Issa

Robert Sentongo has called upon his coach Eduardo Almeida to include him in the starting line up against prisons, so that he can show his worth.

Robert Sentongo who is one of the most expensive players the grace to Tanzanian Football was left out in the opening match against Young Africans as he was attending the funeral of his late mother, who passed away a week before the opening game, and came on as a 27 th minute substitute in the second match against Mtibwa.

“I am now ready, initially everything was new to me, and the passing away of my mother had affected me in many ways, but it's been a couple of weeks now, and I have been training hard with my fellow teammates and they have shown great support for me, I feel good about being here now, the lads are very talented, it's just a few minor adjustments, and we will probably challenge the title” said a confident Sentongo.

Robert Sentongo who played against Prisons in Sudan and scored two of the three goals against Prisons with his former team KCC in June this year, said that he knows Prisons well and he will exploit the defence as he did earlier.

Coach Eduardo said that Sentongo was a good, strong and fast player, and he would use him when he felt the time was correct

“Our team has no guarantee of the first eleven, our philosophy is simple, improve and play, as for Sentongo we are observing him, and his experience is important to the team, he is part of our plans, he is a very well disciplined and hard working boy, this is all I can comment for now, I do not announce my team a week before the game, so lets see on Saturday how everyone is” Eduardo.

African Lyon is expected to travel today with 20 players and seven officials will break in Makambako where they will “acclimatise” to the rather cold conditions of southern Tanzania.

Speaking to the website Club's Secretary General Jeshi Zakaria said that the team was upbeat, and the fans should expect good results, however he cautioned the team that the conditions on Dar Es Salaam which averages around 30C were different from Mbeya which now averages around 8C, and the pitch conditions of Sokoine Stadium were very poor.

“We have been training in decent pitches in Dar Es Salaam, but we know the conditions in Sokoine Stadium are very poor, so this is a concern for us right now” said Jeshi

It has been reported in the local media that Prisons management have had a series of meetings with the technical bench to improve the current loosing trend, which is very unlike Prisons.

African Lyon in principle know that Prisons will be out to win which will make the game even more difficult

The players expected to leave for Mbeya are Noel Lucas, Waziri Hamadi, Aziz Sibo, Stephano Nkomola, Yahya Issa, Bakari Omari, Zubeir Ubwa, Hamis Shengo, Abu Ubwa Victor Isaac, Castory Mumbara, Sultan Kittu, Idrissa Rashid, Mohammed Samatta, Rashid Gumbo, Yusuf Soka, Mbwana Samatta, Abdallah Mpandachi, Karume Songoro and Robert Sentongo

Mohammed Abdallah, Rajabu Isihaka, Abdul Masenga and Godfrey Komba picked up knocks in training, while John Mbugwa is a week away from recovery.

Hamist Thabit is expected to return today from Sudan with the National Under 17 Squad, and is being given a three days rest before he rejoins the squad, while Benadicto Jackob and Johannes Kajuna have been granted permission to represent their school teams in inter secondary school competition which will take place in Kampala from 1 st September to 14 th September, 2009

African Lyon's team manager Fadhili Msemi “Mataifa” has claimed that Prisons is like a wounded animal right now, having lost their first two home games to JKT Ruvu and Simba respectively.

The countries only envoys in CECAFA Club Championships (Kagame Cup), who had a disappointing show in July, have had their most disappointing start to the season in years, and bitter of all is loosing their six year record of not loosing to Simba at home.

Prison who have made relatively small changes to their squad, have always been tipped to be on of the real “big 4s” of the Tanzanian Premier league, other teams in the category include Simba, Yanga and Mtibwa.

“We expect a very tough duel, there is no question on this, Prisons is a fantastic side, and maybe they have been unlucky, they are playing their third game at home before they travel out to face Azam F.C and Moro United in Dar Es Salaam and Mtibwa in Manungu, and they will be out to restore faith with their fans” said Mataifa.

Mtibwa , Simba and JKT Ruvu currently boast a 100% record, with Simba the only side not to concede a goal in the two matches, while Yanga restored order by beating new comers Manyema this weekend. In other results, JKT Ruvu overpowered other new comers Maji Maji to complete a bad week for new comers in the league, after African Lyon went down to Mtibwa. Prisons succumbed to a David Naftari goal in the second half without reply.

Azam F.C. will have a lot to think about after they picked up only one point from a possible 6 in the lake region, while Moro united picked up two draws in the same region against Kagera and Toto Africans.

African Lyon and Prisons met in a friendly game before the later went to Sudan, and African Lyon outgunned the officers 3-1. Prisons since then have had a string of bad results; we the football pundits know that it's only a matter of time before Prisons put their act together bagging vital points, and African Lyon could be the victims, however African Lyon starlets have shown that they are capable of warding off big challenges, especially if you put into prospective if African Lyon take their chances created, they could be scoring a lot more goals, then just the one scored so far.

“Our Strikers are 17 and 18 respectively, and we are approaching the game slightly differently then we are used to, so ofcourse there will be problems in the beginning, but as long as we are playing well and creating chances, then the goals will start flowing. We are not putting our strikers under pressure, because we have options, Robert Sentongo is now 100% fit, Karume Songoro in a match or two away from full fitness and this is a good sign for us, we will have many options in the next few games. Prisons game is probably the one that many fans will be looking at this weekend” said Msemi.

Other games that are expected to be played in round three are JKT Ruvu and Mtibwa Sugar on Friday, and on Saturday Yanga will be the travelling south to Maji Maji, while at the National Stadium Simba will host Toto Africans. Manyema and Kagera will clash on Sunday, while on Wednesday Azam and Moro United will both be back from the west to clash in the east, in Dar Es Salaam

African Lyon's starlets Hamis Thabit and Said Khalfan who both feature for the under 17 National Team Serengeti Boys in the on going CECAFA tournament in Sudan have been the most outstanding players so far for the Tanzanian side.

Thabit and Khalfan who were both on target against Eritrea, are both in the running for the tournament MVP award.

Speaking to the website from Sudan, Tanzania Football federation youth development officer Salum Madadi said that Thabit has displayed exquisite skills and great game intelligence.

“This boy is simply brilliant, he is outstanding and the linchpin in the team, the team plays around him, initially the players were getting used to each other, but once they understood each other, Tanzania has been unstoppable Khalfan is still maturing, but Thabit is defiantly premier league quality at his tender age, he is a great asset” said Madadi

Tanzania beat Ethiopia in the quarter finals, and now will face regional rivals Uganda in the Semi Finals of the most prestigious under 17 tournament in East and Central Africa.

Thabit has been taking all the headlines around Sudan, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania for his performances in the games, and will be the key to dismantle the Uganda side.

Speaking to the website coach Eduardo said that he has been in touch with the National youth Team coach, and was very happy to learn about his players.

“Khalfan is a new recruit in the side, after his under 17 copa coca cola exploits, so he has hardly been in the team with us, but i have seen him and he is a good potential, if he does well he will get a few games in the senior side, but Thabit is outstanding, he has played a bog role for African Lyon's promotion last season, and defiantly will feature a lot in the senior side, he is good enough, but i believe he will improve further playing alongside with Gumbo, Castory and Sentongo” said an enthusiastic Eduardo

The web team and African Lyon F.C. would like to wish the Tanzanian team success in the tournament.

Two first half goals from Pius Kasambale and Obadia Mangusa in the 27 th and 38 mins was enough to see African Lyon slump to a defeat against the much experienced side.

African Lyon who looked a little rusty, and the finishing problem kept persisting, as in the first game, saw the boys dominate in the midfield, but unable to convert the domination into tangible results.

Coach Eduardo pulled Mohammed Samatta and gave Robert Sentongo his debut in the 39 th minute, but Sentongo could not rescue the situation as he looked a little rusty in the first half.

In the 40 th minute African Lyon's Mbwana Samatta unleashed a close range thunderbolt just outside the box, but the crossbar came to Mtibwa's rescue and the half time score reading 2-0 in favour of the visitors.

In the second Half, Coach Eduardo rested Victor Isaac and brought in Castory Mumbara, as the changes brought glimmer of hope, and coach in the 70 th minute brought in Karume Songoro for Aziz Sibo, having five strikers in front of goal, but could not rescue the situation.

In the dying minutes Mbwana Samatta almost gave African Lyon a consolation goal when he rounded off Mtibwa's goal keeper, Kado but could only hit the side netting from inside the box.

The final score Mtibwa 2 African Lyon 0,

After the game coach Eduardo admitted that Mtibwa was a good team with lots of experience, but was adamant that his team did not play bad, but finishing let the side down.

“We have seen this problem, we have to make some changes, because our strikers are still inexperienced, but this problem will not be there for long, football is an open game and everyone saw how many chances went bagging, this cant keep happening” Eduardo.

Most part of the 5000 or so fans that turned up could not believe the team lost, despite creating the chances.

“These boys are very young and they need time, they play well, once they gain confidence they will win games we are enjoying the football for now and we are confident results will follow” said Issa an ardent fan

Todays Line Up : Noel Lucas, Aziz Sibo (Karume Songoro 70 mins), Hamis Shengo, Zubeir Ubwa, Bakari Omari, Victor Isaac (Castory Mumbara 46 mins), Mohammed Samatta ( Robert Sentongo 39 mins), Rashid Gumbo, Yusuf Soka, Mbwana Samatta, Yusuf Soka and Idrissa Rashid.

Subs : Hamadi Waziri, Abuu Ubwa, Abdul Masenga.

Mtibwa visit African Lyon

After a dazzling display against the champions Young Africans, most football fans in the country will be wondering what to expect in African Lyon's second game in the Premier League debut season.

Most tabloids and fans have predicted that African Lyon in time will be a team that clubs will hate to face, and the young starlets are not only continuing to show great football skills, but are winning fans over.

Unbeaten since the first game in the first division, the champions Yanga found it hard to dismantle African Lyon's determination, Mtibwa on the other hand have predicted a tough game, but have been clear that their last game at the Uhuru Stadium won them the Charity Shield against Yanga and will be determined to continue the good fortune at the stadium

“African Lyon is a very good and organised side, very entertaining and once it gains a little more experience it will be a force in the league, should it continue playing as it did against Yanga” said Mtibwa's CEO Jamal Baysar

Mtibwa have won the league on two previous occasions since its promotion a decade ago, and since then club has been one of the most feared clubs in the country, due to it's consistency, and this will be a good test for Lyon's mentality.

African Lyon has shown great courage, if one analysis the game against the defending Champions, Lyon players had to come from behind to salvage a point despite controlling the whole game in both halves, had to pick themselves up after a penalty miss, and one should remember its was the first game of the season.

Mtibwa who beat newly promoted side Manyema Rangers in their home ground of Manungu Stadium collecting the three vital points, will be looking to extend their point tally with a perfect start, while African Lyon will be ruing the missed chances in the first game, hoping more luck will be on their side in the midweek showdown

“We have our targets, we have seen Mtibwa, they are probably better the Yanga today, but we will also approach the game differently, so we will go out for a win as usual, then we travel to Prisons, another tough game for us, so obviously we need points, and we will fight for that” said Coach Eduardo.

The coach in this game will have all his players at his disposal but one Hamis Tabit who is representing the country in the CECAFA Under 17 tournament in Sudan. It is also likely Ugand International Robert Sentongo will get his most awaited debut in this game, which should worry the Mtibwa defence, also this will be the first time African Lyon star Rashid Gumbo will face his old team.

“I played for Mtibwa, and won the Tusker cup with them, now I am a Lyon player, and it will be an emotional game for me, but i look forward to it, I want to prove a point and establish myself not only in African Lyon but the National Team, more importantly we need the points, so we will be all out attack on the day” said Rashid “Chidi” Gumbo when asked about facing his former side.

Todays Line Up : Noel Lucas, Aziz Sibo, Hamis Shengo, Zubeir Ubwa, Bakari Omari, Victor Isaac, Yusuf Soka, Mohammed Samatta, Mbwana Samatta, Rashid Gumbo, Idrissa Rashid. Subs : Hamadi Waziri, Castor Mumbara, Stephano Nkomola, Mohammed Abdallah, Abdul Masenga, Karume Songoro, Robert Sentongo

The game is expected to kick off at 4pm at the Uhuru Stadium

Watch this space for game analysis and results

Champions Young Africans today will be counting their luck and will walk away from the Uhuru Stadium thinking the consequences should African Lyon had taken their chances especially in the first half.

Having missed 6 clear chances, through Mbwana Samatta, Idrissa Rashid, Yusuf Soka, Rashd Gumbo and Mohammed Samatta, in the first half, and a missed penalty in the second half.

African Lyon displayed good tactical football, unlike the defending champions who looked like chasing shadows against the novice young side. African Lyon who made clear their attacking intent coming close in the 5 th , 12 th and probably the miss of the match fell onto the legs of Mohammed Samatta who found space outside the box, and could not convert one to one against Obren.

Yanga who rarely made any attempts, and even if they tried to put together a decent move it was foiled by Victor Isaac and Zubeir Ubwa, while Bakari Omari was there to stop all high balls.

In the 27 th minute, Shadrak Nsajigwa brought down Yusuf Soka, in what seemed like a clear penalty, but the referee waived play on, amid jeers from Lyon fans, and Yanga were forced to reshape their defence, calling back Bakari Mohammed for Hamis Yusuf.

At the breather Yanga's experienced side, marshelled by Athumani Iddi, Khalfan Ngassa and last years top scorer Boniface Ambani could only thank their luck for being level.

In the second half Yanga brought in Nurdeen Bakari and Mike Barasa for Boniface Ambani and Athumani Iddi, and the changes played off in the 51 st minute where a mix up in the African Lyon's defence allowed Maftah to cross and Jerry Tegete connected well to register Yanga's goal.

From there on it was African Lyon who controlled the game, and brought in Abdul Masenga for Victor Isaac to stabilise the defensive erros, while Mohammed Abdallah came in for Mohammed Samatta who had played his part perfectly.

Rashid deservedly was the man of the match gave a through ball to Mbwana Samatta, and he was brought down in the area by Shadrak Nsagiwa and this time referee Chamwala pointed to the spot, however Obren was equal to it with a nice save.

In the 84 th minute Karume Songoro came in for Yusuf Soka and his first touch was a through ball for Rashid Gumbo who drifted towards the box and released a screamer just outside the box for a African Lyon's equaliser.

The Champions could only pray for the final whistle and as it came, African Lyon players celebrated on the pitch.

In the match there were incidents like Shadrak Nsajigwa head butting Aziz Sibo, and Athumani Iddi attacking the referee which the match commissioner took note of, and these players if reported could face length bans.

African Lyon line up : Noel Lucas (Captain), Aziz Sibo, Hamis Shengo, Bakari Omari, Zubeir Ubwa, Victor Isaac (Abdul Masenga 60 mins), Yusuf Soka (Karume Songoro 84 mins), Mohammed Samatta (Mohammed Abdalalh 65 mins), Mbwana Samatta, Rashid Gumbo, Idrissa Rashid.

Subs not used: Stephano Nkomola, Abu Ubwa and John Mbugwa (GK).

Young Africans: Obren, Shadrak Nsjigwa, Maftah, Bakari Mohammmed (Hamis Yusuf 20 mins), Ndlovu, Godfrey Bonny, Khalfan Ngassa, Athuman Iddi (Nurdin Bakari 46 mins), Boniface Ambani (Mike Barasa 46 mins), Jerry Tegete, Kabongo.

Big Day, Big Match finally here.

All roads today will lead to Uhuru Stadium, expected capacity crowd. The curtain raiser of the 2009/2010 will see defending champions Young Africans face African Lyon F.C.

While other stadiums will be on fire, former Champions Simba Sports club will be visiting the new look Maji Maji team the won promotion alongside with African Lyon, while Maynema will be the guests of Charity Shield winners Mtibwa.

Tanzania Prisons will face their military counterparts JKT Ruvu in Mbeya, while Mwanza residents will see Moro United face Toto Africans at home. Azam F.C. made the long trip to Bukoba to take on Kagera Sugar.

“There are no winners or losers before the 90 minutes, this is a new season, and all the teams start on par, so I am sure there will be a few surprises today, but let wait for the 90 mins” said a famous soccer pundit Tuly.

In today's game against coach Eduardo has names Noel Lucas as his first choice, and the defence to be marshelled by new comers Zubeir Ubwa, and Bakari Omari, while Sibo and Shengo will feature as right and left defensive flanks respectively.

The midfield will be marshelled by Victor Isaac, while new comer Rashid Gumbo will control the attacking from the middle assisted by Mohammed Samatta.

Idrissa Rashid, Mbwana Samatta and Yusuf Soka will take the responsibility to score goals.

On the bench John Mbugwa, Karume Songoro, Abu Ubwa, Stephano Nkomola, Abdul Masenga and Mohammed Abdallah.

We wish the team all the best against Yanga, and all the remaining premier league teams in the country.

Watch this space for match analysis and reports

He could be the first captain to steer African Lyon into history as the club readies to feature in the top flight football for the first time ever, and what a match to open the new chapter, the defending champions and the countries most successful club, Mohammed Abdallah today said that he is not thinking of anything but taking advantage of any venerability they demonstrate during the game.

“We are extremely hyped up, and we fear nothing right now, we know Yanga has been having problems gelling together and we have watched them and even played them in the pre season, and we believe that they might need a little bit more time to play as a unit, and this is what we want to pounce on and get to a flyer start, make no mistake they are a good side and we have a tough task ” said Mohammed Abdallah “Baggio”

Baggio also took time to congratulate his team mates for showing courage, and working hard during the pre season, said that he has seen players improve a great deal, and assured fans that at this point and time, they will be no different from the more experienced players and teams in the coming games

“We know experience is important, but experience can win you plus minus 10-12 points in the season, what gives you the edge is the talent and hard work, if I was worn then players would be getting national team call ups at later ages, which is not the case, it's more about talent, speed and determination in the modern game, and with this belief I have faith that the boys will do well, our coach is also a great reader of games, and he has the ability to change things around and confuse the opposition during games, and maybe this can compensate experience for our team” said Baggio.

Baggio also said the the boys were ready, and there were no major injury worries, but he would leave this for the coach to talk, he was just here to assure fans Yanga is a beatable side.

Also talking to the website, Coach Eduardo said that Abdallah Mpandachi, former Yanga Striker Karume Songo have been ruled out to face Yanga through injury, and Hamis Thabit was away on National duty. but all the remaining players were fit and ready

“Karume would have liked to face his former team, but he is still not match fit after a ligament problem, Abdallah Mpandachi is not with the team, nursing his sick father, but the remaining players are ready for the game” said Eduardo who refused to name his squad until a few hours before the game.

African Lyon billionaire owner Mohammed Dewji (MP) today made a surprise visit to the team's residential camp and requested team officials for an audience with the players.

Speaking to the players, Mohammed reminded players of their responsibilities as professional players and also reminded them of the investments he was making on the team, and asked each and every player to give 100% in the forth coming Vodacom Premier League.

“You have a responsibility not only to me, but the people of Mbagala, the fans and each and everyone of you, in today's world if you want to succeed at any level you have to be disciplined and a true professional, not only that, you have to have an good working environment, which I believe for a team of our size we have sufficiently provided”

Dewji also told the players it was an honour to open the league with the defending champions and a team with such a rich history in Tanzanian football, but also advised the players to try and achieve to have a rich history of their own and see to it that they start a revolution of football in Tanzania

“The bottom line in football is giving back to the fans, and the fans demand performance, and based on performance results are achieved, we are a young team, and we have to create an option for football lovers, there is no point in playing in empty stadiums, but if you give 100% the fans will flock to enjoy, our goal should be survival, but we have to have a DREAM, then only you can succeed, let us all have a single vision, and we will get there, and maybe Yanga's game could be a stepping stone” –Dewji said.

Dewji who said that he was there for a very short visit, gave the player many examples of professional aspirants in various sports, and used his own example of his golfing success during his University years, where he was a scratch handicap player, and how he used to prepare before his matches.

“In sports, mental toughness is probably the difference between talent and putting your talent to the best use, yes you could be talented, but handling the pressure and other influences is the difference between a winning mentality and trying to win, you are aware that i have been involved in football for a long time, and a lot of success is linked to me, including my sponsorship deal with Simba, being the Chairman of the National Team's special task force committee, so I expect that you will also see that as a benchmark of my expectation out of you, however I also understand Rome was not built in a day, but let me assure you, I love African Lyon and I am the number one fan” said a cheerful Dewji amid applause from the players who could not contain their delight to meet Dewji.

Speaking to the website team's captain Mohammed Abdallah said “He is such a charismatic person, and he is so aware about everything, he speaks to the point, and a great motivator, after such a meeting, and the fact that he will be there to watch us, I think all the players will give their 100% and god willing we will beat Yanga, just like we did in the pre season friendly”

It's been a good pre season for African Lyon F.C., as the team readies to mount a challenge in the Premier League starting in the curtain raiser against defending Champions Young Africans on Sunday 23 August.

Speaking to the website and presenting his report to the management, Portuguese Coach Eduardo Almeida said that he has been satisfied with the pre season, but now he goes into a very difficult week where he and his boys will focus greatly in the upcoming league.

Eduardo said that the players were still young and inexperienced, but were improving all the time and the potential was there, he expects to pick a few points in the first three games of the season; however the team's focus will be survival in the league as a priority but arriving to the “safe” zone as early as possible was important, and then the focus can change to challenging for top positions.

He also has been keen to thank his local assistants for giving him an insight of the league, familiarizing with Tanzanian culture and mentality.

“I got an opportunity to watch many teams play, and I believe this will be a tough season, most the teams have good players, and have prepared well for the league, but I believe we also have done the same, and maybe we are better then many sides that I saw, but we all know that the pre season and league in comparison are different, so we will try and keep improving all the time”

Eduardo who had seven competitive games, and several other training matches, in those competitive games the team won 4 games, drew 1 and lost two against Simba and S.C. Villa of Uganda, scoring 18 goals, conceding 11 goals, with no clean sheets.

“We have 3 very tricky and difficult games, before we go into a three week break, and these games are against very experienced teams, and all the teams have tasted glory in previous seasons, so we will have a very tough time, especially in the game against Prisons in Mbeya, but we have to pick up a few points and gain confidence” said Eduardo.

Eduardo wished the fans and players a good season, reminding the fans that the team was still very young, and it needed time, but are determined.

“Our team is probably the youngest in terms of age and experience, but we are determined, and I am sure the fans will be patient initially, before the team comes of age, my board of Directors understand this and this is the team's policy, so I have no doubts that the me and the board are initially focusing on securing the safe zone. Simb and Yanga are over 70 years old, with a lot of support, Mtibwa, Prisons have won the league while the likes of Kagera Sugar JKT Ruvu have been consistent performers, while teams like Azam , Moro United have signed good players and will defiantly try to avoid early the situation they were in last year. ,” said Eduardo.

Good season for all African Lyons .

Five well taken goals, including a hat trick from Mbwana Samatta today brought an end to pre season games against Villa Squad, and the team now focuses on the first game against defending Champions Young Africans on Sunday 23 August.

It took Mbwana 7 minutes to dismantle the first division side, with a well connected cross from Idrissa Rashid. From there on, African Lyon boys relaxed and played an easy game trying to avoid uncalled for injuries, but Villa Squad stepped up and missed several chances, before Mbwana Samatta netted his second in the 31 st minute, when he dribbled past Villa Squad defenders.

At the break it was 2-0 to African Lyon.

In the second half Bakari Omari was judged to have handled the ball in the area, and a penalty was awarded to Villa Squad, which was duly converted.

In the 71st minute Yusuf Soka was put through by Rashid Gumbo, and hit the cross bar before Idrissa sloted home the rebound, to make it 3-1, just two minutes after Mbwana Samatta drifted away from the Villa Squad defence and completed his hat trick with a well taken lob.

The goal brace was completed by Yusuf Soka in the 85 minute, when he was put through by Idrisa Rashid, as the team displayed some great touches before the goal.

African Lyon was represented by

John Mbugwa (Hamadi Waziri 80 mins), Aziz Sibo (Stephano Nkomola 60 mins), Abu Ubwa (Hamis Shengo 60 mins), Zubeir Ubwa, Bakari Omari, Victor Isaac (Mohammed Samatta 60 mins), Sultan Kittu (Mohammed Abdallah 55 mins), Rashid Gumbo, Yusuf Soka, Mbwana Samatta (Rajab Isihaka 80 mins), Idrissa Rashid.

Unused subs Castory Mumbara, Karume Songoro, Yahya Issa, Godfrey Komba and Abdul Masenga.

Clubs' Secretary General Jeshi Zakaria has challenged his players and the technical staff to perform well in the upcoming league, and told the website he has faith that the club well do well in the upcoming Vodacom premier league.

In his weekly report to the CEO, Jeshi said that the club was now geared up to put a respectable challenge in the league and will overcome the recent friendly losses as the coach will make the necessary adjustments to the side.

“We have had a few bad performances, but the technical bench and the players know that they have to step up a gear, and we are sure they are already doing that, they understand that the league is all about performance and the three points”

Jeshi went on to say that the club had received guests from the Nordic countries.

“We had been hosting two guests Mr. Glenn Schiller and Mr. Azzedine Saoud, who have been working on behalf of the club to help us market our players in the Nordic countries, African Lyon also arranged meetings for the guests with the Tanzania Football Federation where the primary agenda was to discuss youth development, and the Norwegian Embassy officials, discussing the possibility of getting the embassy to endorse the project African Lyon is taking up with it's sister club Kongsvinger TOP Futball in Norway. Both the meetings were extremely successful and we believe that the project will yield desirable results. We also like to wish the Chairman of Kongsvinger Henrik Mohn a fast recovery, and sadly he could not make this trip to illness, but the club has extended him another invitation, and we expect he will visit Tanzania on 15 th November, 2009.

Our new recruit Robert Sentongo has lost his mother, who passed away in Thursday 13 th August, 2009. The club would like to show it's support to Robert and his family during this hard on the family of Robert. Robert is currently back in Uganda and he is expected to fly back on Tuesday, 18 th November, 2009 and join the squad.

Our New hostel is ready, and we expect the first team players to move in on Wednesday 19 th November, where the club will have an official opening and hand over of equipment, introduction of new players. The media will be invited in due time.

The club would also like to announce that Mr. Jamal Kisongo has been given the task to oversee the fan club, and the growth of the fan club, we believe Mr. Kisongo's experience will help launch a successful fan club that will aid the club.

We would also like to congratulate Rashid Gumbo for showing a great game for the National Team and scoring in the away win against Rwanda in a friendly game.

We look forward to a successful season” –

Jeshi

Norwegian side Kongsvinger's Chairman Mr. Henrik Mohn will be a guest to African Lyon F.C. for one week, in the arriving delegation will also include Azzedine Soud and Glenn Schiller a Fifa players' agent and a former UEFA cup winner from Sweden.

Speaking to the website, Chairman Mohn said that Kongsvinger are very excited to come to Tanzania, and fruits of the collaboration have been visible already, with Henry Joseph signing a 4 year contract with Kongsvinger toppfubal.

“African Lyon is a new side in the topflight, but our agent works closely with other clubs in Tanzania and as a Tanzanian club, we had to show our counterparts our level, and we selected Henry as an ideal flag bearer of our class” said President Vipul.

The guests arriving here have a main purpose of implementing our collaboration agreement, and discuss various other development projects that we can do together in Tanzania.

It has come to our notice that Tanzania Football Federation President Mr .Leodgar Tenga, and Secretary General Fredrik Mwakalibela have graciously agreed to meet the visiting party, more so they have also asked the youth development officer to schedule a meeting with the guests.

The guests will also have a chance to meet the Royal Norwegian Embassy officials, during the visit and will also inspect the progress of the proposed hostel and pitches African Lyon is currently building.

Simba Sports club will have an audience with the guests, curtsey of Henry Joseph, where Simba Sports club have invited them to their open day on 8 th August, 2009.

African Lyon would like to wish the arriving guests a happy stay in Tanzania

African Lyon were on the wrong end of a 3-0 drubbing against the National U-17 squad, which saw the team displaying a below par performance.

U-17 squad, who are now preparing for East and Central African Championships later this month in Sudan, went ahead in the third minute. Marshalled by African Lyon's very own Hamis Thabit who was by a long mile the man of the match, did not waste time and went 2-0 ahead in the 25 th minute, before securing a defiant victory early in the second half.

Speaking to the website, Team's Manager Fadhili Msemi said that the players were reluctant to push themselves as the season nears close, and most of the players used were under scrutiny as to how they can cope with different situations and positions.

“You can we we used Castory as a attacking midfielder, Nkomola as a winger and so on, these measures are necessary to adapt early on, so that later we know what and how to solve incase of problems in between the season, besides the results do not matter at this stage, we are building our team, we still have 17 days and a couple of matches, so we are confident we are still capable of putting a great show for our fans in the league, having said that we have to admit that our opponents also deserve credit for bringing the game to us, they played well in all area, they are going to be a good group and it's good for the country”.

African Lyon will now look towards their next official friendly game against S.C. Villa of Uganda scheduled for 9 th August, at the Uhuru Stadium.

African Lyon F.C. is today scheduled to move into a residential camp ahead of the 23 rd August, premier league kick-off.

Speaking to the website the team's manager Fadhili Msemi said that there was a need for the boys to live together and understand each other as the new and old players get to mingle and know each other

“We have been training hard, but as you know we have many new players, and the team needs team rebuilding, so a residential camp is the most viable solution right now, sadly our hostel will be a few days before we can move in there, so we will be in a hotel together, we can monitor their diets, their injuries and a lot more, so this will help us the last few weeks before the kick-off” said Msemi.

Msemi also refused to disclose the details of the camp, saying it was still confidential, and he would disclose the details once the team has moved inn, sighting that rivals can invade the hotel and make life difficult for African Lyon youngsters.

Msemi was quoted saying “As you are aware we will be opening with the countries biggest team, and they have millions of fans, so for us it is paramount that we move into the camp, get comfortable, know our surroundings and then disclose all the details”

Msemi also said that the injured players were recovering fast, and he hoped that by next week most of them will be back, and hoped that there will be no further injuries.

On the issue of Rashid Gumbo and Yusuf Soka, Msemi said that the duo will be in the National Team residential camp until after the game against Rwanda.

“We are aware about the 48 hour FIFA rule, but we have released our players for the National Team to support our National Team, these players are our key players, but for the interest of our Nation we have turned a blind eye and released them early, we just hope they don't pick up injuries while there”

African Lyon today scrapped through recently relegated Villa squad, posting a 3-1 win over the Dar Es Salaam rivals Villa Squad..

It was Stephano Nkomola's well taken penalty that opened the account for African Lyon, after benadicto Jackob was brought down by Nassoro Chisco in the 14 th minute.

As the game gained minutes, Villa Squad looked more threatening, and raided African Lyon's goal, pouncing on unforced errors by African Lyon midfield and defence, which were a mere shadow of the team that stunned the Champions two weeks ago.

In a counter attack, Benedicto Jackob drifted away on the right, and putting in a pin point cross that was met by Idrissa Rashid who headed home just before the break. At half time, African Lyon were ahead 2-0.

In the second half it was still frustrating for the 500 or so fans that turned up to watch the game, when Castory Mumbara and Co could not hold any significant possession, giving away too many loose balls, however a few glimpses of fast paced counter attacks, were visible, and it was Bakari Omari who overlapped from the middle of the park and hit a weak shot, that Villa Squad goal keeper Magabo Kondo puched toward the path of Mbwana Samata, who made no mistake and pounced home to register African Lyon's 3 rd .

Villa Squad continued to push forward and it was substitute Yahya Issa who failed to clear and gave away the ball to Martin Lufat who placed the ball in Noel Lucas's net in the 75 th minute. At the final whistle the score line read 3-1

Speaking to the website coach Eduardo said that the result was just good for the confidence, but admitted that his boys needed to work an extra mile if they were to pose any threat to bigger teams.

“I don't we played really well, and I have seen the problems, and will try to work on them, we were making to many errors, and tactically we didn't have much to show for, but I also feel my players didn't take this game very seriously, but they have to understand every game is a final from this point forward”.

While Villa Squad's coach Kenny Mwaisabula said that his team was new and young, and tried to take the game to the opponents, and he was satisfied with the game

The teams were

African Lyon: Noel Lucas, Stephano Nkomola, Abu Ubwa (Hamis Shengo), Bakari Omari (Yahya Issa 70 mins) , Godfrey Komba (Zubeir Ubwa 65 mins), Victor Isaac (Mohammed Samata 70 mins), Mohammed Abdallah (Sultan Kitu 60 mins), Castory Mumbara, Mbwana Samata, Benadicto Jackob (Johannes Kajuna 70 mins) and Idrisa Rashid.

Villa Squad: Magabo Kondo, Ramadhani Mkami, Abbas Kuka, Nassoro Chisco, Ally Ramadhan (Edmund Richard 65 mins), Abdallah Msonga (Edson Ndjuna 65 mins), Ally Mohammed (Said Salim 70 mins), Dominic Lucas, John Woloko, Abdallah Chamuya (Martin Lufat 70 mins), Wahid Mohammed.

Villa Squad to test African Lyon on Sunday

First division side Villa Squad will play a pre season friendly against African Lyon on Sunday 2 nd August,2009 at the Uhuru Stadium at 16:00 hours, just weeks before the premier league kick off, where African Lyon will face a reality check against defending champions Young Africans.

Villas squad who were relegated from the premier league last season, were the last team to beat Young Africans in a competitive match, and have since then being on a team rebuilding mission, since many of their players were scooped up by premier division sides.

Speaking to the website coach Eduardo Alemida said that the team had just completed the fitness cycle, and will now start the tactical preparations, and the result in the match will not matter much, but he will be keen to see how the team operated as a unit

Eduardo also ruled out Karume Songoro, Abdallah Mpandachi and Aziz Sibo due to injuries, while Rashid Gumbo and Yusuf Soka might be given a rest ahead of their National Team duties, while Hamis Thabeet and Kajuna will also miss as they have been training with the National under 17 squad.

Eduardo also said that Ugandan International Robert Sentongo will be among the players in the stands, as he has only had one training session with the team since his arrival, and he was asked to be left out as he wants to work on his fitness before he plays, however he has asked the coach to be considered for the planned friendly against his former club S.C. Villa of Uganda.

The team's manager Fadili Msemi said that Villa squad were a very good side, and will be a good test for African Lyon, as Villa Squad will also take this match seriously as they will be preparing for the upcoming first division league, and are favourites to bounce back to the top flight

“It seems the coach will use most of the players available to him in the squad, and it mean that a lot of players will want to impress the coach for a place in the first team for the league”. said Msemi

• Hamis Thabeet impresses in U-17

African Lyon's new recruit Rashid “Chidi” Gumbo and young starlet Yusuf Soka have got calls to join up with Marcio Maximo's national team that will face Rwanda in the upcoming friendly in Kigali later this month.

Rashid who recently made a big money transfer from rivals Mtibwa, had impressed in the recently ended Taifa Cup, and has improved further under Eduardo, that had instigated Maximo to give Rashid his maiden call to the National Team, while goal getter Yusuf Soka who scored two goals against defending Champions Young Africans, in the recent pre season friendly, that saw the champions succumb to Lyon's determination.

Speaking to the website, the clubs Secretary General, Jeshi Zakaria said that the club was very proud to have two players in the national team, and suggested that in the months to come, there will be more players being selected as the club was sure they have extremely good players.

“We are disappointed that Abu Ubwa did not get a call this time, but we will work with him to motivate him and use this positively and expect him to work harder, because he is in the system already I am sure it wont be long before the coach calls him, but further more with due respects to Maximo he should have looked at Mbwana Samatta a little bit more closely, we feel he is by far the best local striker in front of goal, but it's up to him to decide what he wants” said Jeshi

Hamis Thabeet and Johanes Kajuna have also got their U-17 calls who will be under Brazilian Youth coach Rodrigo, that is expected to go to Sudan for the under east and Central African U-17 championships later this month.

Speaking to the website under 17 National Team Coach Rodrigo said that Thabeet has exceptional qualities and is a great potential.

“I can assure you this boy is destined for big things, he is one of the best players i have seen around, with great great potential, i am happy i have him on my side, I would hate to face him, and Kajuna is a good strong defender, no question, with very good skills, and I think being in African Lyon both players will improve a lot, as I respect coach Eduardo and think he is a good coach for these boys” said Rodrigo

African Lyon would like to congratulate the players for getting their calls, and would expect them to be great ambassadors to the national team for African Lyon.

Uganda International Striker Robert Sentongo arrived today from Kampala at 14:00 hours on board Kenya Airways flight, and was received by a host of African Lyon fans, leaders and captain.

Speaking on his arrival, Robert Sentongo said that he was here to play football for African Lyon and admitted that he needed convincing before he agreed to join African Lyon.

“Firstly I want to thank the supporters of KCC (his former club), my elders, leaders and fellow players, i had a very good time there, but it was time to take another step in my career, that's why I felt it was time to leave and seek new challenges in a different country, I am aware that African Lyon is a new club, but they have massive plans and great ambition, and I am sure African Lyon will help me further my career and achieve my dream of playing in European leagues”

He continued saying that he did not want to speak too much about himself, but he just wanted to initially to thank everyone who helped him reach this stage, but also went on to say that from records it was evident that African Lyon had very good strikers, and a good goals to game ratio, so it would be a dog fight to get into the squad, but challenges motivates him, and he vowed to fight

“I have spoken to my new leadership, and I am told that Coach Eduardo is looking forward to working with me, so it's a good sign, I was received by the captain at the airport and this means a lot to me, and from what I hear the players are very excited, and now I cant wait to join up with them”

Sentongo who refused to put in open his personal terms, or sign-on fees, but the deal is thought to be worth over $80,000 and that would easily shatter all previous transfer records. Sentongo also refused to recent speculations that he was going to play in Qatar, saying that African Lyon is where his immediate future lies, and if there is any team interested in his services and provided the offers are lucrative, he will have no problems, as he knows African Lyon will be willing to sit and talk.

Speaking to the website Jeshi Zakaria said that African Lyon was committed to improvement and the seriousness of the club in it's activities has enabled them to capture Sentongo, and the likes of Zubier Ubwa, Rashid Gumbo, John Mbugwa and all others

“We had identified our target players well in advance, and I can assure you after the arrival of Sentongo there has been no player that slipped our net, and we are extremely happy, we have to thank our sponsors and in particular our owner Mohammed Dewji, I can tell you he has shown remarkable faith in our team, it's about time we paid back by winning games” said Jeshi

Tanzania Football Federation today released the fixture for the upcoming premier league season 2009/2010, and in the opening day African Lyon will be away to defending Champions Young Africans (Yanga) on the 23 rd of August, 2009 at the Uhuru Stadium.

Yanga's archrivals Simba will also face newly promoted Maji Maji in Songea, while other opening day fixtures will see Mtibwa host Manyema Rangers of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania Prisons hosting JKT Ruvu, Azam F.C. will be visiting Bukoba's Kaitaba Stadium facing Kagera Sugar, while Toto Africans will be home to Moro United.

African Lyon will take on two times champions Mtibwa Sugar in Dar Es Salaam on 26 th August, before playing the third game against Prisons in Mbeya.

African Lyon's most awaited clash against Azam F.C. will take place on 28 th October, just two days before giants Simba and Yanga clash for the season's second derby, after the planned Charity Shield a week before the kick off.

Speaking to the web team, African Lyon's head coach said that it was an “exciting” draw, and he was happy to open the season with a big game, adding that it will add much needed experience when they face the less fancied sides, however he was quick to caution that he expected a tough league ahead, and was certain most teams had prepared adequately.

Tanzania Football Federation also said that there could be changes to the fixtures following the release of CAF's international calendar and the various teams participating in international tournaments.

For full fixture click here

Chief coach Eduardo Almeida today returned from his month long study break in Portugal with a stern warning to his rivals that African Lyon could only improve and that his main focus now will be closed door training that will be more tactical ambitions.

“Firstly I am told that last Sunday the boys showed good signs of improvements, and I would like to congratulate them and Chale for the good work, I left the team with Chale and he has done exactly what I expected, and now we have to work together to improve, we also have Charles Otieno where I have to sit with him and give him specific roles, so yes I look forward to all this, the team looks in a good shape too.” Said Eduardo

On the issue of controversial striker Robert Ssentongo, he was quick to say that he had not seen him in action on many occasions, but he would not comment on his move to African Lyon as this was the problem of the board; however the team was in good shape.

Eduardo also said that his aim was firstly to secure survival in the top flight, but once this was completed he will then concentrate on climbing the ladder in the standings.

“We have to be sure of safety first, I know the fans want exciting and entertaining football, but most important is our safety, and then we can dream of other things, our tactics will be based on how fast we can secure our survival, any coach like to be safe as early and as fast as possible, after that we can experiment”

To his rivals he was sounding a warning not to expect any mediocre performance from the team and he said that he was preparing the team to be competitive, to try and play football, take the game to the opponents, and his main focus will be getting a couple of international build up matches so that the players gain experience and confidence.

Yusuf Soka's goals in each half and a Rashid gumbo penalty in the second half was enough to see out the champions young Africans in a thrilling pre season friendly amid a capacity crowd at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar Es Salaam.

African Lyon's starlet Yusuf Soka was the first to new an early blow to the champions, after a good move initiated by Sultan Kittu from the right wing, and a through ball from Mbwana Samatta, left Yusuf Soka unmarked and he made no mistake from short range with a powerful thunderbolt.

The champions just needed two minutes to intimidate the African Lyon, and a cross from Khalfan Ngassa found an unmarked Godfrey Bonny who hit the cross bar before the ball rolled into john Mbugwa's net.

The champions took initiative as African Lyon midfield marshalled by Castory Mumbara (on loan from Yanga) faltered and could not contain the champions who went rampant and registered their second goal in 23 minutes through Iddi Ally after good work from Razak Khalfan

As the first half drew closer to conclusion Yanga looked the more settled and dangerous side, dominating the proceedings.

The breather the teams left for the dressing room with the Champions Yanga having an upper hand.

In the second half African Lyon rested Castory Mumbara for Victor Isaac and the changes reflected on the pitch as African Lyon started dominating the game, with Mbwana Samatta who was closely guarded by the opposing defenders came close on three occasions, before he was brought down in the penalty area, and Rashid gumbo took the spot kick sending Yanga's keeper the wrong way to register African Lyons's Equaliser.

From this point forward it was all African Lyon, making the champions look like a mere shadow of themselves, and controlling the game in all departments, and making the dominance count with a beautiful strike by Yusuf Soka, after hard work by Rajab Isihaka on the left flank.

At the final whistle the 18,000 spectators were left in shock with the scores reading 3-2 to African Lyon, who defiantly picked up a lot of new fans with their persistence and good football.

Meanwhile in the earlier kick off, African Lyon's under 20 squad held Young African's under 20 squad to a nil nil draw. both teams were desperate to show case the future stars and the young boys did not disapoint.

The teams were

African Lyon: John Mbugwa, Aziz Sibo, Abu Ubwa (Hamis Shengo 60mins), Zuberi Ubwa, Abdul Masenga, Castory Mumbara (Victor Isaac 55 mins), Sultan Kittu, Rashid Gumbo, Yusuf Soka, Mbwana Samatta, Idrissa Rashid (Rajab Isihaka 65 mins).

Young Africans: Steven Marashi, Shadrak Nsajigwa (Mayamba Amarosso 47 misn), Amir Maftah, Wisdon Ndlovu, Bakari Mohammed, Razak Khalfan (Mohammed Maruzuku 60 mins), Mrisho Ngassa (Jamal Tamim 80 mins), Godfrey Bonny (abdi Kassim 47 mins), Jerry Tegete (Ally Msigwa 47 mins), Vincent Barnabas (Mike Barasa 47 mins), Iddi Ally (Erick Kimanda 60 mins)

African Lyon to Face Yanga in a Friendly

African Lyon F.C. today confirmed that the planned friendly game against defending Champions Young Africans will take place on Sunday, 19 July.

This comes in the wake of various postponements due to the on going coca cola championships and various other technical hitches.

In this game Jumanne Chale will take charge, and is expected to use the new signings, which include Rashid gumbo, Castory Mumbara, John Mbguga, Bakari Omari Zuberi Ubwa and former Maji Maji goal keeper Hamadi Waziri, however veteran Karume Songoro will miss the game due to injury.

Others injured are Benadicto Jackob, Johannes Kajuna, Hamis Thabit and Abdul Masenga.

Young Africans under their Serbian tactician Duscan Kondic will also take this game seriously and give a run out to their new signings.

The game is expected to kick off at 16hrs, at the Uhuru Stadium.

“There has been a lot of speculation in the local media about the transfer and eventual arrival of Ugandan International Robert Ssentongo.

African Lyon Football Club has been informed by the player and the Agent that his contract with Kampala City Council (KCC) has expired, and keeping that in perspective African Lyon football club has signed a two year agreement with the player with an undisclosed signing fee.

Normal procedures of sending an ITC request through Tanzania Football Federation to the players' native Federation have been followed and African Lyon F.C. expects the player to join the club pre season training on the 26/07/2009, immediately after the planned friendly between The Cranes (Uganda National Team) and former world Champions Brazil, as he has been selected to represent his country in the landmark game.

African Lyon will now await the clearance and will not comment on this matter further”

African Lyon would like to welcome Charles Otieno who will be joining our team with immediate effect, and will be taking over the role of fitness and counsel our players.

Charles Otieno is a former Kenyan International with vast experience and has spent over a decade playing in Costa Rica as a Professional.

African Lyon believes the appointment of the former Striker will strengthen the team's technical bench and the younger generation of players should look up to Otieno and emulate his professionalism.

In addition, the club's Secretary General Jeshi Zakaria also released his weekly report

“As all our fans are aware, the registration period has come to a close, and African Lyon have submitted the names of players that have been retained by the club, and new players that will be joining our team.

African Lyon's management and technical bench again reiterate that the activities of the club in the past few months have been rewarding and very satisfying.

We are extremely happy with our playing staff, and we are excited and believe we can progress under our new coach Eduardo Almeida.

We have also strengthened our technical bench with the addition of Charles Otieno and goal keeping Coach Steven Nemes, and the club believes both of the former internationals will join hands with assistant Coach Jumanne Chale and Deo Lucas to form a formidable backroom staff for Eduardo Almeida.

As for the website, it is currently going through a transformation, as you can see many pages have been changed, however we have to admit that the changes are now behind schedule, for reasons beyond our control, but we are confident that the website will be up and running before too long, and we are determined to make it the best website among the premier league teams in Tanzania, where fans will be able to quench their quest of following the upcoming league.

The club has also opened talks with a few reputable organisations, for sponsorship, however the club is very cautious and will only move forward if there is a win win situation for parties concerned.

The club has received a request from the Dar Es Salaam Football Association (DRFA) who have organised a friendly matches against Simba Sports Club and reigning Tanzanian Young Africans. African Lyon has accepted this request, however due to problems with the dates, it is agreed that dates will be set on Monday 14 July, 2009 and the fans will be informed through the media.

African Lyon's assistant coach today has claimed that the open day they had organised at the Uhuru Stadium was a “great success”

Over 400 youngsters turned up at the stadium, in the hope of being one of the 10 players that will get a scholarship and feature for the young Lyon squad.

“The organisation was fantastic, we have to commend the organising committee, because to control over 400 kids, is not a joke and the exercise continues tomorrow where we expect a lot more participants .” said Chale.

Chale also claimed that the technical bench will shortlist 50-60 youngsters and then call them up in two weeks and select the best youngsters from the group , who will get a scholarship and a contract to feature for the youth team.

“This is our side of preparations, as you know we have signed collaboration contracts with some reputable clubs, it would only be fair that we present to them the best youth talents, and we have seen that the quality is amazing” said Jeshi Zakaria

Kongsvinger Topfutball has entered into an agreement with African Lyon where they will provide technical help in the youth sides and aide their development with the hope of producing some great future players.

The open day was overlooked by Tanzania Football Federation's youth coordinator and African Lyon's technical consultant Salum Madadi and under his instructions Jumanne Chale, Deo Lucas and some senior players were given the task to select the best players.

Most of the players who turned up were given a chance which is fantastic. Most importantly, the players that were selected are naturally talented and have good body structure and now the most important object is to see how they can develop into good footballers.

Chale told the website that he had built this team with youngsters and it has been successful. So they are confident at what they are doing knowing exactly what they are looking for, when quizzed as to why they had taken such a step.

“In Europe clubs do the same, but the difference is that they do the same thing for a younger age group, whilst we are doing it for 14-16 year olds and we believe that there are many players out there who are extremely good, but have not been spotted. So why not.”

The website has also learnt that in the on going Copa Coca Cola in Dar Es Salaam, African Lyon scouts are stationed in all the match venues, and there could be some young talented players that could come through.

African Lyon already boasts with the youngest team in the Premier League in terms of average age of the first team squad and has formidable young players that make up the youth team.

African Lyon football club today released an official statement on the closure of transfer window

“The board of Directors of African Lyon Football Club has been extremely satisfied with the clubs involvement in the transfer market, the board believes that most of the targets that the club had set out to register have committed their futures to the club, and this is a good sign.”

It is believed the management spent 40% more money then the initial budget, but the board was more then happy to “break bank” as it was all towards building a competitive team.

Speaking to the website, Jeshi Zakaria said that the players crossing into Lyon were Goal Keepers Hamadi Waziri (Maji Maji) and John Njernga (Thika United –Kenya), Defenders Zuberi Ubwa (Azam), Bakari Omari (Kagera Sugar), Midfielders Castory Mumbara (Loan – Yanga), Rashid Gumbo (Mtibwa), Karume Songoro (Oman), and Ugandan ace Robert Ssentongo.

African Lyon management also reinstated left footed defender Saidi Mwarami, after earlier dropping him, in a move that could signal a preparation for Abu Ubwa's imminent departure to Europe sometime in December.

Meanwhile the club's Secretary General also declared the departure of defender Kisimba Luwambano who beat the deadline to cross over to premier league rivals JKT Ruvu.

In his weekly press briefing Jeshi also told the website that the club's hostel will open doors in the next few weeks, while the work on the Natural Pitch was almost complete, while the Artificial pitch preparations were almost complete.

“We have been speaking with four companies, for a possible sponsorship and/or promotion partnership package and we are extremely satisfied with the response, it's nice to see the corporate world in Tanzania taking notice of our club, it shows our commitment to professionalism.” said Jeshi

Jeshi also confirmed that coach Eduardo is expected on 20 th July, after he completes his coaching course in Portugal.

“Eduardo has been very influential in his time here, and we expect him to return with his class A UEFA certificate on 20 th July, he has ordered a strength training program, and our technical bench will follow his program and the team will be under Jumanne Chale.” Said Jeshi

African Lyon's defender Kisimba Luwambano has handed his transfer request, hoping he will beat the deadline to join premier league opponents JKT Ruvu.

Speaking to the website, Jeshi Zakaria confirmed that he had infact received the letter, and African Lyon have already accepted his request, provided JKT Ruvu and Kisimba follow all the transfer regulations.

“We have been informed that he had already talked to JKT Ruvu, but this is not the correct way, we have a lot of respect for Kisimba and JKR Ruvu, and we called their trainer to ask their leadership to meet us, and complete the transfer, as we are ready to hear their offer and hope we can complete his transfer before the deadline.”

Kisimba Luwambano who was an integral part of the team that saw African Lyon comes up the division unbeaten, making 14 appearances for the team, but realised his chances were limited under coach Eduardo, especially with the introduction of Zubeir Ubwa and Bakari Omari.

Meanwhile African Lyon has refuted reports in the local media, that they are on the verge of signing an international goal keeper and also Simba's ace midfielder Mohammed Banka has signed a loan deal.

Speaking to the website, Jeshi Zakaria said that Mohammed Banka is a fantastic professional but the coach feels that he will not be his first choice, and that will jeopardise his chances, besides Simba have been clear they will only accept a loan deal for him, if African Lyon's technical bench assures Simba that if they player remains fit he will have to play a certain number of games, a commitment Lyon cannot commit to.

“Banka's case is almost closed, regarding a goal keeper, we are extremely happy with what we have got, and we have John Mbugwa joining us, we are not in talks with any goal keeper as of now, but we know that there is one goal keeper available and we have been tracking him for a while”.

Jeshi however refused to rule out any more arrivals saying that the final day of the registration will determine the players that will be wearing orange and there could possibly be another high profile signing

“A lot of players believe that African Lyon is a serious club, they understand the importance of our project, so we are least surprised that a lot of high profile players and agents have been in contact with us, and we cant rule in or out anything as of now.” said Jeshi

• Eduardo leaves for Portugal

Uganda's top marksman Robert Sentongo is the latest target for African Lyon, it was revealed by the secretary general Jeshi Zakaria.

Speaking to the website Zakaria admitted to have made contact with Robert Sentongo, and assured African Lyon fans that the initial talks are going well, and an agreement could be reached before the transfer deadline of 30 th June.

“We are satisfied with the talks, and we are confident of reaching an agreement before the transfer deadline, we feel he will be the final piece in the puzzle we feel will give us the competitive edge in the upcoming league” boasted Jeshi

Sentongo is one of the top scorers in the Ugandan Premier League

When quizzed the consequences of the deal not going through, Jeshi said that they had many players who have been on trials, and it was the matter of time of offering them a contract, as the players want to join the club, because most of them feel they can only improve under coach Eduardo, and their chances of playing in Europe could be a reality, as the club has been working closely with East Africa's most successful players' agent, and the agreement the club had recently signed with Kongsvinger Football Club of Norway.

Meanwhile Coach Eduardo will be away for a month, as he left for his homeland today to take a short course, that will certify him a UEFA Class A coach bracket.

Before leaving coach Eduardo handed the team to Jumanne Chale, who will oversee an intensive physical training in the coming weeks. Coach Eduardo told the website that he was very satisfied with the progress the club has made under him, and he was only going to recharge his batteries, before he comes for pre season training.

“I will have 6 weeks with the team, and at professional level it's enough time for any coach to decide on various issues, and build a good team, but as we all know this team was physically weaker then other premier league teams, we have been working for longer, which can only be a good thing, because the players are very enthusiastic, and willing to learn.” said Eduardo.

The club wishes Eduardo the best in his course.

Two goals in 2 minutes in the 34 th and 36 minute was enough to get a halftime lead against the stars of Zanzibar, with the game earlier scheduled to take place at the Mau Tse tung Stadium was shifted to Polisi Training grounds.

It was new signing Bakari Omari's debut goal who headed home a well taken corner from Sultan Kittu after youngster Benadicto Jackob almost scored only for Zanzibar's goal keeper to push the ball on the side.

Benadicto was rewarded two minutes later when he received the ball from Hamis Thabeet and drifted inside for a powerful thunderbolt straight into the net.

In the second half coach Eduardo made tactical changes and employed a different style of play only to find his side concede two goals.

The game ended on a high, after the introduction to newly recruited Rashid Gumbo and on-trial Striker from Rwanda Papii Nkune tried to terrorise Zanzibar's defence, but ended up wasting two clear chances.

African Lyon Line up : Noel Lucas, Aziz Sibo (Stephano Nkomola 15 mins), Abuu Ubwa (Hamis Shengo 45 mins), Bakari Omari, Zuberi Ubwa (Rashid Gumbo 70 mins), Mohammed Samatta (Yahya Issa 45 mins), Victor Isaac, Benadicto Jackob (Abdallah Mpandachi 60 mins), Hamis Thabit ( Pappii Nkuna 55 mins), Mbwana Samatta (Idrissa Rashid, Sultan Kittu

After the game coach Eduardo said that he was happy with the results and the progress of the team.

African Lyon today proved too strong for former Premier Division front runners and the countries sole representatives to the upcoming East and Central Club championships to be held in Sudan in early July.

The game started with both sides trying to read each others tactics, and Prisons held the upper hand in possessions, displaying some good footwork, and taking control in the middle of the park.

It should be noted however coach Eduardo started with four players who are currently on trials, and Lyon could not gel as a team.

In the 17 th minute however Prison's goal keeper took captain Mohammed Abdallah down, for a penalty which was expertly converted by Stephano Nkomola.

Prisons mounted their attacks and were rewarded by a spot kick, after Yahya Issa handled the ball in an effort to block a powerful shot by Oswald Morris.

Scores were level at the breather.

In the second half, Eduardo made seven changes, bringing in the first team, who then played as a team and controlled the game, and in the 67 th minute Mbwana Samatta who was a thorn in Prison's defence connected well with Abdallah Mpandachi's well taken cross from the right flank.

Seven minutes later Idrissa Rashid drifted from the left flank and sent in a powerful shot that needed a slight tap by Mbwana Samatta to register his second, and Lyon's third.

African Lyon kept attacking prisons goal, and missed several opportunities, as prisons went into defence, and trying to counter.

Final whistle was music to Prison's players, as Lyon's confidence got a much needed boost.

Match report pictures and line ups will be posted tomorrow.

African Lyon have completed a surprise club and country record transfer swoop for Mtibwa Sugar midfielder Rasid “Chidi” Gumbo. The 23-year-old Tanzania midfielder has signed a two-year contract with African Lyon. However both clubs Mtibwa Sugar and African Lyon have agreed not to disclose the transfer amount.

Gumbo, who was a target for Simba, Azam and Moro United leaves Mtibwa after 2 years and more than 60 matches, his highlight coming when he scored the decisive goal in the tusker Cup.

Lyon new Portuguese coach Eduardo Almeida is banking on the midfielder's experience in the domestic and international arena to take the club to the next level.

Eduardo said: "Gumbo is widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League and to have in in Lyon now will add a new dimension to the side. When players of his quality become available then you have to be in the market for them so we are absolutely delighted that we have been able to conclude this deal.”

"The experience required to compete with the best in the Premier League is vital, with Gumbo we get the experience of someone who has played week-in, week-out in the hardest league in the region and has played in various other leagues in the region.”

"He plays at a level that has an impact on the game and we are thrilled that he is joining us. It shows the pulling power of the club. It's the sort of signing the manager is looking for - players with Premier League experience who can push the squad on, I like players that have the sort of flexibility that enables you to change your tactics if you need during a game, and Gumbo has that," he told Lyon's official website.

"He also has a range of passing that I am keen to introduce to the team, and he has got great delivery at set-plays as well. He will bring a lot to Lyon. I have spoken to him briefly, and I will do at greater length soon. It is clear to everybody that being at Lyon is going to be exciting in the future, and Gumbo sees that."

Gumbo said: "I'm delighted to be joining African Lyon.

“It didn't take much persuasion from Eduardo; they are heading in the direction I want to go. There is great potential here, and I'm sure there I will improve as a player, I have played with some of the players, and I have been closely following African Lyon recently, and I like what I see”

Gumbo is expected to be unveiled tomorrow at the Uhuru Stadium when African Lyon is expected to face Prisons in a friendly game. Gumbo is also expected to travel with the team to Zanzibar for a series of friendly games on tuesday

African Lyon boss Eduardo Almeida is hopeful of signing Rashid Gumbo from Mtibwa Sugar despite Simba Sports Club and Azam F.C. being linked with the midfielder . The 23-year-old is highly sought after, with Patrick Phiri's Simba also vying for his signature.

Lyon's coach could possibly complete the signing within a day or two, after Mtibwa Sugar accepted an undisclosed bid and allowed the player to discuss personal terms with Lyon.

The highly priced midfielder has been on Eduardo's radar since he first laid eyes on him, in the recently ended Taifa Cup where Gumbo played for Temeke.

Although the Portuguese is wary that the move may be hindered by the player's demands, he is still hopeful of bringing Gumbo to Lyon.

"Let's hope (we can sign Gumbo). He is one of those lads who play the way I like. It's not easy to find his quality in the current transfer market, especially within Tanzania but I think these contractual problems can be solved," Eduardo told the website.

Gumbo, who has been Mtibwa's key player of recent times, has reiterated that he wants to work under Eduardo, and it was up to the club to come and get him.

“I like the approach of African Lyon and I feel I will progress as a player under Eduardo, but it's upto African Lyon to come and get me, I am under contract with Mtibwa Sugar, and I will respect that, it's true I have been linked with many clubs, Azam, Simba want my signature too and all the clubs that have made enquiries about me are top class, which is good for my confidence.” Gumbo told one of the local newspapers.

Should this transfer go ahead, it is said that it will shatter the club record defiantly, but will make Gumbo one of the countries most expensive player.

Simba's registration Chairman was quoted saying that Gumbo was a “class apart” player, and Simba are ready to pounce and were hopeful to sign him.

• But first it's a Prisons date on Sunday

African Lyon Football Club has today released the fixture for friendly matches for the month of June 09, before the players get a short pre season break.

Speaking to the website, the team's administrative manager Fadhili Msemi said that Coach Eduardo has proposed African Lyon play three friendly games in one week, before the players go on a two week break.

“African Lyon F.C. has agreed to play Prisons of Mbeya who are Tanzanian representatives to the East and Central African Club Championship (Kagame Cup) which will kick off end of June 09 in Khartoum Sudan on Sunday 21 st June, 2009. This will be a good opportunity for our new players and some players on trial to make impression, and on 23 June, 09 the team with 22 players and 6 officials is expected to go to Zanzibar for a three days where they will play two matches against Zanzibar Stars and r Zanzibar Premier league side Polisi ” said Fadhili.

African Lyon has urged its fans in Dar Es Salaam to come out in numbers, and witness some of the new players

, and the club have assured it's fans of a pleasant surprise.

“We can assure our fans that we are in the last stages of acquiring the services of one of the best players in the country, that will shatter all local transfer records, and we are almost sure he will be wearing the Orange outfit on Sunday” boosted Fadhili.

While in Zanzibar, the team will play its first match on Tuesday at the Mao Stadium against Polisi, and on Wednesday they will play against Zanzibar Stars, before they make the short trip back to Dar, and wrap up the first phase of pre season

In the month of July, African Lyon is expected to play a series of friendlies against foreign teams, and so far five teams have agreed to come to Tanzania; however the exact dates will be released in early July.

“We are expecting 2 premier division sides Uganda, and two Premier Division sides from Zambia for freindlies, while popular match organisers LZ enterprises have invited African Lyon F.C. to play a mini tournament involving a local premier division side in Tanzania, and a South African side; however the club will confirm all the dates and announce those dates in early July.” said Fhadhili.

Fadhili said that the management was happy with the progress the team is making in every sense, as of now the team is well placed to mount a respectable challenge in the upcoming Premier League.

Godfrey Komba underwent a minor operation to remove bullet fragments. The Official club Statement released said....

“Godfrey Komba underwent a very successful surgery to remove bullet fragments in his ankle area, he has now been released from the hospital, and is recovering at home, we expect him to start training within two to three weeks, depending on results expected to come in soon, we are thankful to the medical staff of Temeke Hospital and the fans for their support.

At this time the club is not in a position to comment on the incident, and the club has received no information from the authorities, we believe that it's time the club and the fans resume with their daily routine, it's paramount we look forward with more caution”

Godfrey Komba to be operated

Godfrey Komba will today undergo a minor operation to remove bullet fragments after a robbery incident in the hotel he was staying in with his teammates.

The incident happened last night at 22:45 hrs on 14 th June, 2009, where armed bandits raided the hotel causing injuries to hotel guests, including Godfrey.

“We are thankful that his injuries are not life threatening, or career ending, we expect the boy to recover fully, we are providing all the support we can, and we are in touch with his family, and the medical staff at Temeke hospital, this is a one-off incident, that could happen anywhere in the world, so we will not point any fingers, we believe it was just bad luck, our thoughts go out to the other guests that were injured too. The operation will be carried out at Temeke hospital, with close supervision of our medical staff; this will be to remove bullet fragments in his leg, in and around the ankle area.

Unfortunately the club is in no position to divulge more information of the incident itself, as we are fully satisfied with the measures being taken by the responsible authorities, including the police force.

The players' at the time of the incident had been in their rooms contrary to earlier reports, and since Godfreys' room was locked, the bandits tried to shoot the door down, in the process hurting his leg. “said the official Club statement.

African Lyon Football Club has today released the following statement.

“Despite repeated media speculation, about the club making approaches to various local players of other Premier League teams, African Lyon currently has made neither an official approach nor any offer to any player/team at this time, furthermore African Lyon F.C. has currently no interest in recruiting players with long term contracts with their respective teams in Tanzania. African Lyon F.C. is fully satisfied with the current squad, and the new arrivals that have already committed their future to the club.

African Lyon will continue its search of two more players as per Coach Eduardo's recommendation; however the players the club is talking to are not locally based . ”

Promising midfielder and former National Team player Castory Mumbara joined African Lyon on a one year loan deal from the reigning Premier Legue Champions Young Africans (Yanga) this was confirmed by African Lyon Secretary General Jeshi Zakaria.

The unsettled tough 24 year old defensive midfielder was one of the players that stood out in the just ended regional championships (Taifa Cup) where he appeared for Mwanza, and coach Eduardo suggested that Lyon should make a move for the player, however Young Africans could only agree on a one year loan deal with African Lyon.

Castory who has a three year contract with the champions, is eligible to make the switch permanent should Lyon agree terms with the Young Africans before the season ends, was signed by the Champions from Toto Africans, after he had impressed the champions in his appearances for the National Team, however he could not hold a regular place for the champions.

Speaking to the website, Jeshi said that Mumbara was a long time target of Lyon, and Eduardo was clear that Mumbara was going to become a key player for Lyon in the near future.

We firstly would like to thank Young Africans technical bench, and leadership, for their help in facilitating this deal, and we feel that we have got a fantastic professional, with vast experience, we also believe his commitment and hunger will land him back to the National Team” said Jeshi

Jeshi also said that the player had many offers on the table from top sides, but he choose to come to Lyon because he believe he can improve under Eduardo, and regain his place in the National Team.

As you are aware this is the registration period, and a lot of cash is required to sign players, we have spent a significant amount so this is a big relief for us, we are now setting our sights on our final two players, that we feel we still need to mount a reasonable challenge in the Premier League.

Jeshi also confirmed that Lyon believe that Mumbara features in the coach's long term plans, and Lyon will have to open talks with Yanga sooner rather then later for a permanent switch.

Also speaking to the website, Mumbara said that he was happy to join African Lyon, and he believes that he will be given the opportunity to gain play time, and regain his place in the National Team.

“I have come here to play, and for now this is all I want, I spoke to Eduardo, and he has told me about his plans, and I liked what I was told, I have been welcomed to the club very well, however it's too early to comment on my future, as this is not my problem, my problem is playing time for now, and I will fight for a regular place in the starting line up” said Mumbara.

In his weekly update to the Club's official website, African Lyon's Secretary General, Jeshi Zakaria confirmed that the club was on course in the chase of target players, who the coach Eduardo Almeida believes will add dept, experience and strength to the team.

Jeshi also confirmed the appointment of former National team goal keeper Steven Nemes as the goal keeping coach, for the forthcoming season.

“We are extremely happy to announce the appointment of former National Team goal keeper Steven Nemes , and he will join African Lyon's technical bench as a goal keeping coach. Nemes is a fantastic professional, great role model and ideal for our club” said Jeshi

Prior to joining African Lyon, Steven Nemes was the head coach of 1 st division side Segera of Tanga. Nemes will bring to the club his vast experience to the club. As a player himself he featured for top sides in the country for over decade. Nemes was also the National Team's goal keeper for over seven years and is a CECAFA Nations challenge Cup winner among others.

On the new arrivals Jeshi said that as soon as Coach Eduardo arrived he was asked to watch various tournaments in the country, including Taifa Cup, Zanzibar Premier League, and the club set a platform where the coach was given the opportunity to try out more then 20 players, from various countries including Tanzania, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Kenya and Zambia.

“We are taking the coach's requirements extremely seriously, and I can assure our fans that we have since then identified our exact needs in terms of positions, and we also have names of our targets, and we are now very close to signing them” said Jeshi

Jeshi conceded that the club was linked with many high profile players, but none of the big names actually arrived to the club, but was quick to respond that the club will not just go for any player with a name; rather the club was careful to sign players that will create a strong team.

“Many of our new signings are awaiting minor formalities before we officially unveil them, but so far the new arrivals include former Maji Maji 19 year old stopper Hamadi Waziri, Zuberi Ubwa from Azam FC, defender Bakari Omari from Kagera Sugar FC, veteran striker Karume Songoro, Kenyan National U-20 and Thika United Keeper John (Wairimu) Njenga Mbugwa” declared Jeshi.

Jeshi also confirmed that there will be two or three more arrivals to the club in the coming week, and confirmed that the on going negotiations were extremely encouraging; however he declined to give further details.

“The current transfer market is extremely tight, and so far it has been quiet compared to recent years, however we know what we want, and we also have back up plans should we fail to rope our targets to the team, and if need be we will not hesitate to look outside Tanzania but we are so close, we might wrap up our involvement in the transfer market within 4-5 days” said Jeshi

Simba Sports club yesterday proved experience was vital in top flight football, coming from a goal down to beat African Lyon, 2-1 in an epic friendly.

In front of capacity crowd in Uhuru Stadium, both teams started well, with both teams playing good tactical football amid cheers from football fans, but it was African Lyon who looked more likely to threaten former Champions pride, with Lyon's striker Mbwana Samatta missing two clear chances, when he was put through but Simba's gollie Deo Mushi came up with sublime saves from the youngster.

The attacking game plan payed-off in the 15 th minuted, when Sammatta outsmarted Simba's defence with some good footwork, and pulled his pass to the far post before it was tapped in by ever improving Abdallah Mpandachi.

Simba who were using their first team, with two new faces in the first half, picked up the pace and level matters through Nassor Cholo just before the break, after the Lyon defence failed to clear a loose ball.

Lyon who were trying out Kenyan Under-20 National Team keeper John Wairimu, and using a make shift midfield line made up of Stephano Nkomola and Mohammed Sammtta were tactically good.

In the second half, both teams made 5 changes, with Simba bringing in their more experienced artillery, and Lyon retrieving their first team players to test the second string players, however the game was balanced throughout the the second half, with African Lyon's new striker Karume Songoro squandering two chances, and Mohammed Abdallah's header coming close in the first 15 mins of the breather.

It was Simba's Haruna Moshi in the dying minutes fired a powerful shot which was equalled by Lyon's new Signing Hamadi Waziri before hitting the post and going for a corner. Lyon boys resposnded in the counter also hitting the cross bar from a powerful shot by Rajabu Isihaka.

In the 88 th minute, Lyon's Thabit lost the ball in the midfield, to Uhuru Selemani who put Haruna Moshi through, and this time he made no mistake, powering past stranded Hamadi Waziri.

After the game, Lyon's coach Eduardo said he was extremely happy with the way the team played tactically, and the result was not important, because it's just been a week into his job, and the players were barely adjusting to his system.

“We controlled them in long periods of the game, and the two goals they got were not actually created by Simba, but they were two mistakes by us, in all the three times they came close, they were mistakes by our players, while we created five chances, and we created the chances, and missed two chances with our strikers against the goal keeper” said Eduardo

Eduardo said he believed the players will improve in the days to come, and he hoped that he will get many friendly games for his young side to gain the experience they need to overcome situations like yesterdays.

• Zuberi Ubwa, Bakari Omari arrive and pen three year deals

African Lyon has started working from the back line, and have added Azam FC Star defender Zuberi Makame Ubwa, in the back line and Kagera Sugar's dependable defender Bakari Omari to the team.

Zuberi who left Mbagala Market last year and joined Azam F.C. will make a return to the side and join his younger brother Abuu Ubwa, in the team, while after five years at Kagera Sugar, Bakari Omari joins African Lyon in a three year deal.

Speaking to the website, Jeshi Zakaria said that they were happy to have got our target players; Zuberi was someone we had been tracking down for a long time, we know his qualities, and understand him extremely well, while Bakari was scouted by Coach Eduardo in the recently ended Taifa Cup, where he featured for Tanga region.

“They have both penned three year deals, Zuberi ‘s one year contract with Azam FC had expired and both parties failed to agree to a new contract, and comes to African Lyon as a free player, while Bakari still had a year left on his contract with Kagera Sugar, and the negotiations were smooth with Kagera Sugar officials, however we have agreed to keep the deal undisclosed” said Jeshi

When quizzed about further signings, Jeshi said that they were closing in a “decent” for a midfielder, and for goal keeping African Lyon was spoilt for choices, as the team has three keepers training with the team, and they will decide soon who is the best suited for the team.

As for the Zambian and Kenyan outfield players, we have concluded that, they are good players, but will need time to adjust to the demands of the premier league, and the coach is looking for players who will be in the first eleven from day one, so the coach will have to decide on their future very soon.

Jeshi said that African Lyon are going about their business in the transfer market is a very calculated way, he said that the team knew what kind of players are needed, and have identified possible targets, now the job is to get them here at the earliest.

It has so far been quiet in the transfer market compared to previous years, with Simba, Azam grabbing most headlines. Simba are rumoured to have signed two African Lyon targets, Amri Kiemba from Moro United and Juma Kaseja from Young Africans while Azam F.C. are targeting big money transfers of Nurdin Bakari, Khalfan Ngasa, Mwinyi Kazimoto, and Salum Swedi who has penned a 3 year deal.

All new African Lyon signings will officially be unveiled on 20 th of June, 2009.

• To raise money for Mbagala bomb victims
• Eduardo to try out 3 Zambians, 2 Kenyans

African Lyon Football club will play a charity match against former champions Simba Sports Club on 6 th June, to raise money for the accidental bomb explosion victims that occurred last month.

The people of Mbagala are trying to come to terms of the aftermath, and the government needs all the support it can get to relocate those who have had their houses damaged, and some victims who are still nursing injuries in hospitals

African Lyon earlier visited the bomb victims donating money and food, for the make shift camps, has been very closely associated with the fact that the majority of the injured are from Mbagala where the club hails from

Speaking to the website, Club Secretary Jeshi Zakaria said that the club was delighted to receive the invitation by the organisers to play this game, and the players have been told the magnitude of this game, and they have responded very positively

African Lyon will not charge any appearance fees, on this match, and the players have also decided to donate all the game bonus fees on their contracts towards the cause.

“We have started working on the work permit for Eduardo, and hopefully this will be his first game in charge, which will be a good thing, Simba is a good side, so we urge all our fans to come to this game, but most importantly the team will try out new players”.

African Lyon have been linked with veteran goal keeper Juma Kaseja, but instead have opted towards Kenya and Zambia to find the missing link between the posts.

Zambian National team goal keeper Sydney Tembo is expected to feature in this match, along with midfielder Isaack Chipwatanga, and defender Lazarus Banda.

Eduardo might also feature Albert Odour (Midfielder) and Hinduwan (Striker), while John Wairimu (GK) will be nursing his injuries, he sustained on arrival.

Simba under Zambian tactician Patrick Phiri are expected to unveil their new signings for the first time.

• The African Lyon Project lured him to Tanzania
• Dewji says Kaseja too expensive

Eduardo Philpe Arroja Almeida, yesterday singed a one year deal with African Lyon, with the possibility to extend his contract a further two years. Eduardo held a press conference with the Teams owner Mohammed Dewji and President Vipul Kakad.

Mohammed said that Eduardo's CV had all the makings of a great coach, with insight in youth football, and his experience he got from Portuguese side Atletico Clube Cacem, and the fact that he is a winner of the league and F.A cup in Hong Kong was proof that the young coach was not here for wasting his time, but to make sure he transforms the team into a competitive outfit.

“He is clear on our goals, ambitions, and we have and will try to provide him with the infrastructure he requires, we are a serious professional club, and we want to make this club in a powerhouse” said Dewji

While Eduardo said that he was ready for the challenge, African Lyon had presented him with a good project, thats why he turned down 3 clubs in portugal that wanted his services, but most important was that African Lyon were serious, with realistic ambitions.

When quizzed by journalists in the press conference about his young age and the fact that he never played professional football, Eduardo said that Mourinio of Inter Milan never played professional football, yet he was one of the most succesful coach of recent era, and his age was not a problem, and cited the example of Barcelona's Treble winning coach Pep Guardiola.

“African Lyon has very good, and clear plans, they understand the realisitic postion they are in, and the have realistic targets, but they are also working towards a goal, they have a clear path in their mind, this is what has brought me here, i like to work in conditions where you always look forward to new things, and all i can say is that with time we will have a good side” said Eduardo.

Meanwhile The teams owner Mohammed Dewji has said that African Lyon had already pulled out of the race to secure the signature of Tanzania's highly rated goal keeeper Juma Kaseja, who was a free agent after his contract with rivals Young Africans was due to expire in the next few days.

“We did approach him, and gave him our offer, he is no doubt a great keeper, good professional but he does not fit into our budget nor we dont see him gell with our team's ambitions, I as Mohammed can afford to sign him, but thethe Board of Directors and my technical bench has been very strickt on the type of players and I dont think they are ready to break the bank for one single player, so I think they (Board) are looking elsewhere, and I am sure they will come up with a good option” said Dewji

The secretary General weekly report also was released yestersday with the following key points.

•  12 players have been invited to attend trials with African Lyon, 5 from Zambia namely Sydney Tembo (GK) , and Isaac Chipwatanga (Midfielder), Mwape O'neil Kalunga (Striker), Lazarous Banda (Midfielder) and David Siame (Def Midfielder), Four Kenyans are also invited for trials, namely Donald Otieno (Striker), Albert Odour (Midfielder) , John Wairimu (Gk) and Hinduwan (Striker) and 3 Tanzanians

African Lyon is set to make history in Tanzanian Football, after it went into an Unique agreement with First Division side KONGSVINGER TOPPFOTBALLS (KIL) which will see African Lyon get technical assistance from the Norwegian giants in setting up African Lyon's youth academy, and professional assistance for it's first team, while opening doors for talented youths from Tanzania and neighbouring countries to cross over for professional football in Norway

Kongsvinger Topfotball officials Chairman Henrik Mohn and Sports Director Morten Kristiansen who will visit Tanzania sometime in July, to inspect the development of the current on going development of training facilities in Mbagala, which includes an artificial turf, Natural Pitch, multi gym and a hostel.

“This is a great opportunity for African Lyon, and this agreement will open many doors for Tanzanian Football, we are very proud of our relationship with our Norwegian counterparts, and now African Lyon should look forward to transforming into a football powerhouse” said Mohammed Dewji the owner of African Lyon.

The agreement which was blessed by the officials of Norwegian Football Federation, is unique as the profeesional trasiners of the Norwegian Side will get an opportunity to visit Tanzania, evaluate the level and work with talented youths.

Dewji declared that this was a win- win situation for both the clubs, and it will motivate African Lyon to enhance the youth system, and implement the youth trainings to suit northern European football.

“Tanzania and Norway have been having extremely cordial relationship as countries, and Norwegian government has been supporting a lot of projects in Tanzania, and we don't see why we cant make friends in the football world, we know that Norwegian football is expected to grow over four folds in the next 5 years, and for African Lyon to have clinched this deal will give access to Tanzanians youths now to have a level playing ground against the more successful West African countries players, this will help develop football not only at club level but for Tanzania in general.

Kongsvinger is currently leading the first division in Norway and are favourites to secure a berth in the highest division in Norway, while African Lyon will make a debut in the highest level in Tanzanian football.

African Lyon's representative in Europe, Glenn Schiller (former UEFA Cup Winner with IFK Göteborg representing the club and the club owners to KIL and other Nordic clubs) is expected to sign the initial due diligence agreement, and the final agreement will be completed within a month that will allow both clubs to formalize the relationship for the next five years however not exclusively.

Speaking on Behalf of Kongsvinger, the clubs Chairman Henrik Mohn, said that t his agreement is very, very serious from the bottom, and we look forward to see what it leads to, as the agreement will not unsettle the local talent development in Kongsvinger region.

Kongsvinger Topfotball has arguably the best youth system in the country, and the club works closely with schools in and around the Kongsvinger area.

African Lyon and Kongsvinger will hold a joint press conference in July and will discuss the agreement terms in detail.

http://www.kil.no/ - More Details

Upon his arrival this morning on board British Airways flight, African Lyon's coach to be Eduardo Filipe Almeida said that he is here to work hard, and expects players will do the same and will commit themselves fully at the job in hand.

“I don't know much about Tanzanian football in particular, but I know from the records available it is a tough league with only 12 teams, and Simba and Yanga are the big boys in the league, credit to them but I am here to work very hard” said Eduardo who was received by African Lyon officials and team captain.

He was quick to respond to the journalists that came to get a glimpse of the new coach, saying that he needed some time before he could talk to the press, and he would prefer to firstly talk to the African Lyon management, see the level and then open dialogue with the press.

Straight from the Airport Eduardo made a courtesy visit to the on going National Team Camp, at the Karume Memorial Stadium and watched the National Team training.

Almeida who is also renowned to have discovered the likes of Manchester United's ace Nani, then visited African Lyon's training and said that he was impressed by a few individual players, but conceded that tactically there was room for improvement.

“I have met Jumanne Chale and with all due respect i am looking forward to working with him, I am sure we can learn a lot from each other, and I will try and explain my philosophy to him, and I am sure we will work together to improve the team, he is a wonderful person and very welcoming” said Eduardo.

The 31 year old coach said it was his first time being in Africa and he will watch a few more training sessions, a few games, including the National Team's match against New Zealand, the on going Taifa Cup, and then propose his plans and program, before he officially takes over.

Speaking to the website the teams Secretary General Jeshi Zakaria said that African Lyon had carefully selected Eduardo and they are extremely happy that he accepted the invitation to take over the team, and now the fans can actually relax and know the team will be in good hands.

Jeshi however said that contractual formalities will take place in days to come and that since the basic terms had been agreed upon, African Lyon is confident that there will be no problems as it was just a formality now.

African Lyon F.C today has confirmed the appointment of a new head coach Eduardo Filipe Arroja Almeida.

Speaking to the website the team's Secretary General confirmed that the new coach would be arriving from Lisbon on the 21 st of May, 2009 on board British Airways at 07 hrs, and will immediately start his duties of preparing the team for the forthcoming Premier League, where African Lyon are set to make a maiden appearance.

The new coach will have 10 days with the team, before the official registration window opens, and will be given a substantial amount of Cash to spend on new players for the squad.

African Lyon has arranged for many players to come for trials, from various countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Kenya and Zambia, but we will also be trying out local players, but more importantly the new coach will get to see the on going Taifa Cup,and Tusker cup in august, to see the level in Tanzania, before he makes a final decision on players

Eduardo, who has vast experience in training footballs teams, is also a premier league and league cup winner with South China in Hong Kong. Eduardo has also been a youth coach Sport Lisboa and Benfica U 16 sides, U.F.C. Almeirim U-19 sides, and coached A tletico Clube Cacem in 2005 for two years with success.

A holder of Degree in Physical Education and Sport of the University Lusófona d e Humanidades and Technologies, Lisbon . Eduardo is a young man who is intent of making a good career in football and was a trainee coach with David Moyes in Everton.

African Lyon will hold a press conference within a week, post arrival where he will be officially unveiled to African Lyon fans.

African Lyon directors are currently in Europe seeking corporation with clubs from the Scandinavian countries according to the clubs chairman Hassan Mazala.

While speaking to the players in a brief meeting when he welcomed the players after a break, and officially opened the pre season trainings, Mr. Mazala said that in the last meeting with the players, the board had laid very concrete ground work to make sure African Lyon opens dialogues with such teams, where a win win situation is in place for both African Lyon and our Scandinavian friends.

“Norway and Sweden governments are large supporters of development projects in Tanzania, and we don't see why at club level we can't be friends and exchange ideas with teams from there” said the Chairman.

Mazala also said they had appointed Mr. Glenn Schiller a former winner of European Cup with IFK Gothenburg as a player in the board of African Lyon, and he had managed to engage clubs from that region to evaluate African Lyon's goals and ambitions, and help create a workable corporation which will open clubs from that region to gradually invest in Tanzanian football, and that it was high time for Tanzanian clubs got to understand different models that have been successful in world football.

“Mr. Glenn Schiller has organised meetings with successful premier division sides from the regions, and initial response has been very pleasing indeed, infact we are so overwhelmed at the hospitality of our hosts, we have a very good feeling we will succeed in this project said Mazala.

When quizzed to put out what exactly African Lyon was looking for, Mazala said that the club was in simple terms looking for ways to develop Tanzanian players for the Scandinavian Market for the future, he also cautioned the players that African Lyon is heavily investing in this project, and a host of scouts have confirmed that they will make a trip to Tanzania in the near future to evaluate the level and advice on way forward, and even take some players for “acclimatising” them, and eventually offer them long term contacts.

Mr. Mazala also said that in the next few days they will have a few players from Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and West Africa, who will be on a trial at the club, and the new coach is expected to evaluate them. He also confirmed that the new coach is expected to arrive on the 20 th of May, and then all the formalities will follow, before he is unveiled in the presence of the media.

African Lyon hierarchy today confirmed that Ismail Suma, Patrick Mrope, Liwawa Khalfan, Saidi Mwarami and Selemani Bakari will be axed in the upcoming registration period, while Abdallah Gamba, Godfrey Kasenya and Shabaan Lwambo will be relegated to the youth side.

Speaking to the website, the team's Administration Manager Ally Kulita said that this decision was reached through careful consideration and what the management feel is best for the club.

We would like to thank Ismail Suma, Patrick Mrope and Selemani Bakari for their contribution, especially Patrick Mrope said the official statement. All the five players are free to join any club in the forthcoming registration window.

Ally Kulita said that Patrick Mrope's exclusion might come as a shock to many, as his goals helped African Lyon finish top in the first leg of the 1 st division, but since his form has dipped to a low, he is a good player and capable of regaining his form in another team, but his chances will be limited here.

Ally also said that goal keepers Selemani Bakari and veteran Ismail Suma have been left out after the club acquired the services of Maji Maji ace Hamadi Waziri, and there are on going negotiations with one of the regions top goal keepers.

“ In East African there is a serious problem in getting good goal keepers, as it is evident that not many teams in the lower divisions and the premier league actually employ goal keeping coaches, and a lot of talent is wasted and the current goal keepers are actually unpolished gems, which takes time to develop” said Kulita.

Liwawa Khalfan and Saidi Mwarami are good players that need some time to develop, and maybe they will be better players in the near future, but you have to remember we are in the premier league and chances for them will be limited also.

Regarding Gamba (Abdallah), Kasenya (Godfrey) and Lwambo (shabaan) Kulita said that they were good young players, and they can go on to become good players, African Lyon has seen this, and instead of showing them the exit door, they have been given time to develop in the youth side as their age allows them.

Kulita confirmed that all the players have been informed via official letters, and they expect the trio selected to join with the youth sides will comply, while wishing those left out the best.

If rumours were to go by, it is thought that Ismail Suma is closing on a deal to join rivals Azam Football Club, while Patrick Mrope has agreed terms with Manyema Rangers.

It's all started! African Lyon players today reported back to team training session, where the players initially underwent medical check ups at the Temeke Municipal Hospital.

Speaking to the website the team's secretary general Jeshi Zakaria said that almost all the players have reported to the teams training, and they all underwent medical check ups, in a special arrangement made at the municipal hospital.

He said that the team will be under the current coach Juma Chale, while it awaits the arrival of a foreign coach, which is expected to be sometime end of this month, and assisting Chale temporarily will be Deo Lucas, who after the arrival of the coach will take up his new appointment as a team statistician.

“Its true we have finalised our talks with a foreign coach, and we are expecting his arrival before this month end, but our trainings have to begin, so Jumanne Chale will assume full responsibility until further notice” said Jeshi.

There were visible absentees in veteran goalkeeper Ismail Suma, and veteran striker Patrick Mrope. Also missing todays seasions were Selemani Bakari, Liwawa Khalfan and Said Mwarami, while Noel Lucas, Victor Isaac and Idrissa Rashid are expected to report later in the day. Abu Ubwa meanwhile is attending National Team duties under Marcio Maximo.

The players are all excited, and fully rested according to Jumanne Chale, who again applauded African Lyon as the ONLY club to have done medical checks on their players before the trainings begin

“I have always been told during my coaching courses that players need to have an updated medical history at all times, but I can assure no team actually does this, and for African Lyon to do this is just very thoughtful, this actually proves that what we write in our proposals are worked on” said Chale.

Jumanne Chale also confirmed that his contract negotiations are on going, and that he would welcome the arrival of a new coach, and would help him

“We have worked in very good conditions, without interference and absolute respect, i don't see the reason why i should not commit my long term future here, and i am sure the new coach will look upon my commitment as a positive thing, and we will create a good environment together” Said Chale

Talking about the upcoming league, Chale assessed that the upcoming league will be the toughest yet, in recent memory, and all the teams are good, but adequate preparations will win the day for any side.

The players will train once a day initially at the Military Training pitch in Kigamboni creek, until construction of African Lyon's training centre is complete.

Team's current captain Mohammed Abdallah who was assigned to welcome the players and chat with them before their medicals, said that the morale is already high, and the players were very happy to be back together. He also congratulated Abu Ubwa for being selected in the National Team, and Mbwana Samatta for being named TASWA sportsman of March 09.

As Dar-Es-Salaam city today came to terms with accidental bomb blasts that virtually brought the city to a standstill for most parts of the day. There have been reports of 5 deaths and 200 injuries so far, however the city today started returning to normality and counting the costs of the blast that damaged a lot of homes in Mbagala area.

African Lyon players accepted a 10% percent, salary cut, and the money was donated to the District Commissioner committee for disaster relief, on top of that, the club donated 70 cartons of drinking water, 50 cartons of various juices, and wheat flour.

Speaking at the handover ceremony on behalf of the district commissioner, Director of Temeke Hospital Asha Mahita said she was really pleased at the “sportsmanship” shown by Mbagala home boys African Lyon.

“We are extremely overwhelmed, by this support, and we urge citizens to come forward and donate, as there are many camps the government has set-up for the displaced citizens, and there is a need for people to come forward, and donate” said Dr Asha

On behalf of African Lyon football club, the clubs Director Jamal Kisongo said that the team was very touched by the events, since the club is based in Mbagala, which was the most effected area, the little the club has, it is extremely important to share with the community, and relating to the community is the principle of the club.

“Our community is affected, and during these hard times, we have to be a part of the community, and we urge all those who have anything to come forward and donate, our government so far has done a fantastic job so far, but the situation is still bad.”

African Lyon is the first club to come forward to aid the victims.

Sports Writers Association body has named Mbwana Samatta as the best sports personality for the month of March 09. This prestigious award has come after Popa's goal exploits in the just ended First Division play-off in which African Lyon were overall Champions. Mbwana was the top scorer with 12 goals in eight matches.

Mbwana scooped 129 votes, ahead of Golf sensation Aidan Nziku who closely followed with 114 votes. Nziku's nomination came after he won TPC Open, in Moshi. Other winners this year include Young African's stopper Juma Kaseja in January, while February winner was netball player Mwanaid Hassan.

Speaking to the website, African Lyon's Secretary General said it was an honour for the player to be ranked among the best in the country, but the club will also take equal pride in this, as for African Lyon it is always nice to see our youngsters reaching the pinnacle.

“We have written to Mbwana to congratulate him, and encourage him to continue to work hard so that he can eventually scoop the sports personality of the year, but we would also like to send our best wishes to Aidan Nziku. Golf is a tough game that requires a lot of mental toughness and hard work, it is like finding a needle in a hay stack, and for Aidan to come out on top and getting a chance to represent the country in Zimbabwe later this year is a wonderful achievement, and we as Tanzanians all take pride in this”.

We also like to congratulate TASWA for honouring the countries top sports personalities, and we have no doubt that they are doing a fine job of encouraging our sports men and women, these awards are a good benchmark for upcoming sport personalities.

- Work on development of Training Centre begins

African Lyon F.C. have been handed a timely boost after the club owners handed over a 30 seater bus to the clubs management.

As part of proposed infrastructure development for the team the bus will become handy in time when the club has already set a rendezvous with the players and technical bench to start training at the end of the month.

Club Secretary Jeshi Zakaria admitted to receiving the bus, and said that the bus will be given for sponsor branding with immediate effect, while other documentation to allow the vehicle to run on the road is being processed.

Jeshi said “as part of the new infrastructure we have proposed, the bus was very important to make the team mobile, our mother company has spent a lot of money to aquire this, it is now up to us to maintain this vehicle, not only that but work on our proposed training facility has begun, and we are sure we will be on schedule to utilize the facility when our training go into high gear and residential camp will be required”.

African Lyon is determined to have the best infrastructure in the region, and believe that the lack of infrastructure and professionalism has been the key to lack of success in the region in term of football achievements.

In Tanzania a lot of clubs including some respectable clubs have been scavenging for the few training pitches available, which hampers the development to a great extend. It is not a secret that most of the Dar Es Salaam based clubs are fully dependant on the Uhuru Stadium for training and matches, and the costs are high to rent the pitch, it is imperative that the development of youth will be affected.

African Lyon are set to become the only club side in East, Central and Southern Africa to own it's own FIFA approved artificial turf, which will be parallel to a natural pitch. Future plans include building of a 10,000 seater stadium on the same facility.

African Lyons New Bus

Suma, Mrope among early casualties.

African Lyon's Secretary General today issued a statement on the fate of players, and the preparation for the upcoming transfer window, saying African Lyon was not ready to get into a tug of war for scooping players.

“African Lyon is a small club, we are only going to eat what we can digest, there has been a trend by new clubs to try and scoop the best players with financial muscle, we are not a cash splashing club, but a determined club, and will respect our current squad”

We know that a lot of clubs have set eyes on our players; we can only tell them that none of our players are for sale right now, but if they have decent offers they are free to table their offers and our technical bench will make a decision said Jeshi

Meanwhile Veteran Goal Keeper, Ismail Suma and experienced Striker Patrick Mrope are among the early casualties in this season's registration. The club's official statement has confirmed that that duo will not be getting long term contracts. This would imply that their journey with African Lyon seems to have ended.

Ismail Suma's case was very clear, he was offered a short term contract, and he was under observation, but so far he has failed to meet the club's expectations.

While Patrick Mrope's sudden dip in form, and the exploits of younger strikers like Mbwana Samatta, Yusuf Soka, Benadicto Jackob has forced Patricks premature end to his career at African Lyon, and if speculation is anything to go by, he has already committed himself long term with Manyema F.C. where he will join his younger brother Julias Mrope, who is heavily linked with a move to African Lyon F.C.

We have allowed our players who have not got long term contracts to find a solution for their careers, ofcourse we haven't kicked them out yet, but we feel Patrick Mrope and Ismail Suma are not part of long term plans of African Lyon, and it is better for them to know this early on, as far as African Lyon is concerned they are free to talk to clubs about their future said Jeshi Zakaria.

Zakaria also put cold water on the speculation that African Lyon were planning to swoop Patrick Mrope's younger brother Julias Mrope, saying that African Lyon is already a complete side, we want to maintain a small squad, and concentrate on the youth team, our theory is simple, we want to have a 23-24 men first team squad, and 18 youth team squad, we can use upto 5 players from the youth team in any given league match, it makes sense to nurture young talent, and build a solid team for years to come.

Official Club statement released on 27 th March, 2009 has confirmed that African Lyon F.C. will use the services of a foreign coach for 2009/2010 season.

African Lyon F.C. has in principle agreed basic terms with a European National, who will be coming to Tanzania within the second week of May, 2009 to complete the remaining issues in his proposed contract and other formalities, and will immediately take charge of the team.

At this point the coach is under contract with a second division club in his country of origin; both parties (African Lyon and F.C The coach) have mutually agreed to keep the identity of the coach discrete for now, as the coach is still under contract with his current club until the beginning of May, 2009.

We are satisfied with his overall performance; he has worked with big name clubs and great personalities.

The coach has a physical education degree from a renowned university, and is a qualified UEFA Class “A” licensed coach. He is a young man, with great ambitions, and we are sure the African Lyon will act as a good launch pad for his career in the future. He has also achieved significantly in his short career as a trainer, and we are in no doubt that he will bring a new dimension not only to African Lyon, but Tanzanian football in general and we are intending to offer him a 3 year, renewable contract. We will release no further details, until 10 th March, 2009.

African Lyon F.C. does anticipate the coach will need time to adjust to Tanzanian football and at the moment he will only be an addition to our current technical bench, and he will continue to work with our current set up of Jumanne Chale, and Deo Lucas

The club would also like to that negotiations for a three year extension to the current contract with Mr Jumanne Chale have already begun, and we are confident that an agreement will be reached as early as the first week of May between the club and Jumanne Chale.

African Lyon management had a meeting with the owner, and 10 point plan was derived from the meeting, where this will serve as a base to work from. The owners obviously very happy at the teams performance and now that they are retaining all the stars that come forward and signed long term deals, The management is now convinced that survival in the premier league will not be an issue, but the main issue will be the position African Lyon finishes.

Off- Late there have been a lot of articles warning the “new comers” of the rigorous premier league matches, and true that African Lyon ascend to the premier league unbeaten, but they will be the only side in the premier league who are totally new, others who have been promoted are Manyema who have played the premier league before, and will be joined by former Tanzanian Champions Maji Maji who not only have played the premier league but won it.

10 points of reference are

•  African Lyon will strive to run more professionally, and will concentrate on developing younger talents, evident with our recent raise to the premier league

•  African Lyon Owners appoint a Board of Directors from all walks of life who can aid the club's portfolio in the country and abroad

•  African Lyon will work hard to get recognition with more successful clubs, where these clubs will share their knowledge expertise in development of these younger player, in all matters, talent, education, nutrition, health culture, etc

•  African Lyon will complete building their own training center with immediate

•  phase 1, where we are trying to build a natural pitch, (Immediate)

•  phase 2 Artificial turf, hopefully a hostel, a sand box, running track shooting wall,

•  Phase 3 equipments are strength gym, ball machine.

Once completed, African Lyon will let younger players to come and train and use the facilities with the hope of joining the team, giving locals a chance to showcase their talents

•  African Lyon is already close to many agents and organization, and we are trying to acquire the services of UEFA certified coach, and experts who can advice best way forward

•  African Lyon will try to use all its means to try and participate in international friendly tournaments which are held during winter and summer breaks among premier division sides in mainland Europe, this will help build and cement relationships

•  African Lyon strategy will to build a team that can sustain its own development, and hopefully will be a profitable club, not only from income of sponsorships and gate collections but also on sale of players, in order not to be too dependant on sponsors and financers.

•  African Lyon will make strategies of gaining a loyal fan base, by starting a fan club, not only that fans will profit from the clubs sponsors in terms of discounts etc, African Lyon will also see the prospects of opening at least one store for replicas and other items branded with African Lyon logos, will also endorse products of other companies.

•  African Lyon initiate talks with a few academies in Tanzania and east Africa, and we will sign long term corporation understandings where we will offer a window for these academies to supply us with young players with talent and education, and through our procurement hopefully these academies will generate income and produce more players.

•  We will be extremely strict on discipline issues, and will not tolerate anything otherwise. Talent development will go together with discipline.

It is very clear African Lyon will have to invest heavily in preparations, and there are over 5 months to do that, but further more African Lyon will have to invest in young talented players with premier league experience, as from the current squad 21 players have been offered long term contracts, and only 3of them have premier league experience.

The fact is Yahya Issa and Victor Isaac have played the premier league, but age is not on their side, we have to be aware of that, however Noel Lucas is still young, but his experience in the premier league was limited to substitute appearance in the league.

Our new signing Hamadi Waziri is just 19, and is now backed to be Tanzania's best goal keeper in the coming years, but ofcourse he will need time, so African Lyon will need an experienced keeper.

There has been a deliberate vacuum of 4-5 players created, and these signing are now most likely going to be young but experienced players from the premier league, there is a lot of football being played from now to July, there is the premier leagues of Kenya, Zambia, Uganda and Rwanda and then there is the TAIFA CUP where many teams will be scrapping for talents, African Lyon will be no different.

African Lyon needs 2 good central defenders, a defensive midfielder, attacking mid fielder, striker and a left sided defender to complete our team on top an experienced keeper.

African Lyons, 10 point plan look at short term goals and achievements, but the question is, where is a Tanzanian model that has worked and sustained? There has been little or no achievement from clubs here, in terms of profitability and development, ofcourse these clubs have to be respected for taking football to this level no doubt, and there have been investors who have been interested in genuine development, but there have been no sustenance and the coffers run dry, eventually.

• Maji Maji Star signs for African Lyon

African Lyon football club today all but “completed” offering current players' long term contracts, and the exercise has been very successful according to the club's Secretary General Jeshi Zakari.

According to the club's official statement, selected players have been given long term contracts and most of those offered have accepted and have vowed to continue building African Lyon into a football power house.

Jeshi Zakaria said that the players have seen the improvements in all areas, technically, our ambitions, and our plans; he also said that the players have also been impressed with the improved contracts, and none of the players challenged what was on offer

“We have been extremely, careful on offering the contracts, the players' have appreciated what we offered, because we have been very considerate, we have researched each and every player, their history, talent and their ability, and we have come up with what we feel is an ideal package for each individual” boasted Jeshi Zakaria.

The players were offered “substantial” sign-on fees and we expect the current salaries to go up by over 80% upto 200%, and management has also informed the players short term and long term plans.

“As you we are very close to commence work on our two FIFA size training pitches, a hostel capable of accommodating 30 players comfortably and we will improve our technical bench significantly, which will eventually determine the type of players who will come in and improve the team. We are also planning an elaborate but a valuable camp outside the country” said Jeshi

The players who have signed contracts include Noel Lucas, Yahya Issa, Aziz Sibo, Abu Ubwa, Mohammed Samatta, Kisimba Luwambano, Sultan Kittu, Rajab Isihaka, Abdallah Mpandachi, Victor Isaac, Abdul Masenga, Stephano Nkomola, Hamis Thabit, Hamis Shengo, Johannes Kajuno, Godfrey Komba.

Also Mbwana Samatta, Yusuf Soka, Captain Mohammed Abdallah, and Idrisa Rashid.

While some younger players will be demoted to the youth side, include Abdallah Gamba, godfrey Kasenya, Shabaan Luwambo.

The fate of Patrick Mrope, Selemani Bakari, Said Mwarami, Yusuf Ngota and Liwawa Khalfan is still under discussion, and the decision on the players' future will be in the hands of the technical bench. Patrick Mrope has been leathel in the group stages, but could not follow his explosive form in the play-offs.

Maji Maji Star signs for African Lyon

Maji Maji's super goal keeper today has been unveiled as an African Lyon player. Speaking to the website, 19 year old Hamadi Waziri who shined in the recently ended first division league and play-offs was voted as the best goal keeper, has accepted a three year contract.

Speaking after the signing, Waziri said that he was very happy to have committed his future to African Lyon.

“I am a young goal keeper, African Lyon is a young team, we can all grow together, Ii have been closely following African Lyon for a while now, I also know of interest from bigger clubs, but after seeing Africa Lyon's plans, it took me 20 mins to decide that i wanted to play here, atleast for now. I know they have Ismail Suma and Noel Lucas who has been outstanding, but i will learn from them, but I am also not here to warm the bench, i will fight for my place in the team, I would like to Thank Maji Maji FC, for everything ” - Hamadi Waziri

• Players receive gold medals
• Mbwana top Scorer Award
• Mohammed Sammata is best disciplined player
• Nkomola honoured as the longest serving player
• Victor Isaac is the “MVP”
• Abu Ubwa is the best Overall Player

"I am on my way to check on the progress in the “modern” training facility that will be one of it's kind in Tanzania" These are the words of Hon. Mohammed Dewji (MP), during a short ceremony to honour the players for a fantastic job in the recently ended First Division, wining the title.

Hon Mohammed Dewji was invited to speak by the club's Chairman Hassan Mazala, who challenged the players and the technical staff to emulate the 1986 record set by Tukuyu Stars of Mbeya by winning the Top flight in the first try.

Mohammed Dewji who promised the players' better package for the premier division challenge, also cautioned the players the besides personal ability and talent, he expected the players to be at their best discipline and fight for the team, anything otherwise will not be tolerated.

“You are under the umbrella of Mohammed Enterprises (T) Ltd, and as you are aware it is one of the most successful companies in Tanzania, and you will be the ambassadors of this company inside and outside of the pitch, the company expects you to be good ambassadors”

African Lyon have also singed a contract with FIFA recognised players' Agent, Mehdi Remtulla who will see the possibilities of looking into a sustainable business of selling players, to aid the revenue of the team, through sustainable sale of talents.

Mohammed Dewji also presented the playing and coaching staff with medals as a token of appreciation, and trophies to outstanding players.

Mohammed Dewji's sponsorship packages have changed the fortune of the recipients, Simba Sports Club who have failed to emulate their 2003 heroics, and the National Team where he is the chairman, has now decided to own his own club, and African Lyon is now widely expected to perform well in the upcoming league, especially after the club has managed to secure the signatures of all it's core playing staff, in long term contracts.

Mohammed also confirmed that the technical bench and the coaching staff will be given a new life, in order to keep up with the demands of the premier league, not only that but young experienced players will also be brought in to mount a respectable challenge.

In the colourful ceremony attended by dignitaries from Tanzanian football fraternity, also witnessed Mohammed Dewji speak for the first time as the owner of the club, he purchased sometime in august, but also rubbished rumours that the team was Singida bound, because he was an MP from that region.

“I am investing a lot of money in the training facility, in Mbagala, why on earth would i send the team to Singida” he asked when queried if the team was moving.

Mohammed is also working overtime to ensure that the team secures a “sister” team with one of the successful clubs in northern Europe, but also planning a three week pre season training camp in outside Tanzania.

We have a team, it's being backed by a reputable company, run professionally, and we have the hunger to change, i don't see why we cant leap into some solid relationships, we have many friends abroad.

- Soka does it on the Big Stage es it on the Big Stage

- Manyema Squeeze into the Premier League

In one of the most dramatic play-offs in history, African Lyon has emerged as one of the best talented team, with not only huge potential, but the talent and potential was once again show cased on the pitch, for everyone to see, African Lyon have created history, as the only team to remain unbeaten in the League and Play-offs!

With only 5 draws since September 2008, African Lyon has won 13 games, in the 18 games played. Today African Lyon needed a win to be declared as the 1 st division champions, with a feast of 20 points, from a possible 24 in the play-offs. It was Yusuf Soka again who took his tally to 6 goals in seven appearances, most of them from the bench.

It took Yusuf Soka 9 minutes to score the only goal of the game, before African Lyon players who were full of confidence started playing more of an exhibition game, then a league game. In the second half African Lyon did come under occasional attack, but as time went on, African Lyon was on the upper foot.

Final whistle 1-0 to African Lyon, in the earlier game rivals Manyema F.C. booked their ticket to the premier league with a convincing 2-0 win over Mwanza United.

Todays Line Up : Selemani Bakari, Shabaan Luwambo (Aziz Sibo 53 mins), Abu Ubwa, Godfrey Komba, Johanes Kajuna, Mohammed Samatta, Liwawa Khalfan (Benedicto Jackob 53 mins), Hamis Thabit, Mbwana Samatta, Yusuf Soka, Idrisa Rashid.

Substitutes not used: Noel Lucas, Kisimba Luwambano, Said MWarami, Godfrey Kasenya, Abdallah Gamba

African Lyon today rested most of the first team players, and took on a determined Manyema F.C. team, who needed a win to confirm the remaining premier league qualifying place still up for grabs. The game which saw both the teams tensed for different reasons, African Lyon youngsters trying to make a case for long tern contracts, while Manyema were all out to cement a return to the premier league.

It was a Said Mwarami's hard work earlier on saw teenager Benadicto Jackob connect in to Manyema's net, from there African Lyon dominated the proceedings and until the midway point African Lyon were 1-0 to the good.

Most the African Lyon players were not capped in the play-off started positively in the second half, and were unlucky on several occasions, and it was down to the experience of Manyema that kept them out of jail.

In the dying minutes of the game, Manyema fought hard to win the game, and won several corners, and it was their star of the day, Julias Mrope who got his header on target, to make it one all, the score persisted to the end of the game.

Yesterday Maji Maji cemented theor place in making a return to the premier league. Former Tanzanian champions saw off a determined Korosho side 2-1, while Mwanza United washed their hands on their hopes of playing the premier league, by going down to Polisi Irnga 2-0

Todays line-up

Selemani Bakari, Shaaban Luwambo, Said Mwarami, Godfrey Komba, Johanes Kajuno, Abdallah Gamba, Liwawa Khalfan, Mohammed Samatta (Captain), Patrick Mrope, Benadicto Jacko b (Yusuf Soka 66 mins), Godfrey Kasenya (Idrissa Rashid 74 mins)

Subs not used: Noel Lucas, Aziz Sibo, Hamis shengo, Kisimba Luwambano, Hamis Thabit,

ACan African Lyon play the premier league?

YES WE CAN!!! African Lyon will from mid this year will be playing their football against the big boys in the countries top league, The Vodacom Premier League!

Two second half strikes from teenager Yusuf “Kifaru” Soka saw African Lyon reach 16 points, a feast that can be reached by Maji Maji and Manyema F.C. only, which all but confirms African Lyon will be in the three teams that will be promoted to the premier league!

Tension packed game kicked off at 16 hours, amid a capacity crowd, which came to witness in the making, African Lyon will be the only team to have played the league and play-offs, gaining promotion without being beaten by any side.

The first half started with both teams playing an attacking game, looking for an early break through, but near misses from both set of strikers got the game even more difficult to predict, with African Lyon looking to guarantee promotion, and AFC fighting to salvage hopes of promotion. Both teams went into the break goalless.

In the second half, African Lyon overcame the match tension and started playing good calculative football and and in the 61 st minute, Yusuf Soka who made his first start for the team combined well with his strike partner Mbwana Samatta and finished off with a cheeky chip over AFC's goal keeper.

African Lyon continued to pursue AFC's goal to secure the game, and it was Soka again in the 85 th mins, put the game beyond AFC and securing one of the three promotion spots for his team.

After the final whistle the fans and the players went into wild celebrations which were witnessed by the North American Champions Vancouver White Caps who are in Tanzania for a series of friendly games.

Among the crowd there was also Tanzanian National Team Coach, Marcio Maximo who later congrajulated African Lyon for the achievement and said that he was impressed by the teams football and composition, in terms of age and talent, and that he would look into considering Mbwana Samatta, Abu Ubwa and Yusuf Soka for the National Team in the future.

The website team would also like to congratulate the players, technical team and the fans for securing promotion, and being the only unbeaten side in Tanzania since August of last year!

Can African Lyon F.C. confirm premier league status?

It is match point for African Lyon today to confirm participation in the Vodacom Premier League; the only hurdle is AFC of Arusha.

A win today will all but confirm premier league status; potentially African Lyon will have reached 16 points, which mathematically can be reached and/or surpassed by Maji Maji, Manyema, AFC- Arusha, while Mwanza can reach 15 points, should all the other teams win all the remaining matches, however if AFC loose today, they will only manage a maximum of 15 points and this will all but guarantee African Lyon will be playing the Premier league in the beginning of August this year.

Jumanne Chale said that his players were focused on the game, and the tournament will only be over once they have played their last game, claiming the main aim is to become the first division champions.

“We want to win today, and in the two remaining games, we would like to try our younger players, and give them a chance, so that we can see them in a match situation, and then decide how best we accommodate them in the squad next year”, said Chale.

Clubs like Mwanza United, Manyema and Maji Maji will be hoping AFC-Arusha will loose today to eliminate the Arusha based club from contention.

In today's earlier game Manyema will be looking to solidify their position as contenders against Nyerere F.C of Moshi, while Maji Maji will play tomorrow against Korosho of Mtwara who have hit top form in their last outing. Mwanza will lock horns with Polisi Iringa.

The remaining match for Maji Maji will against Nyerere FC, while Manyema will have to overcome African Lyon, and Mwanza United.

Mwanza will themselves besides Manyema will have a tough outing against Manyema.

Todays Line up will see teenager Yusuf Soka get his first start for African Lyon, while Stephano Nkomola and Idrissa Rashid will be absent due to injury and red card respectively. Aziz Sibo will come in for Nkomola, while Rajab Isihaka will take Idrissa's place. Noel Lucas is still not 100% and will not be in the park.

Full Line Up: Ismail Suma, Aziz Sibo, Abu Ubwa, Yahya Issa, Abdul Masenga, Victor Isaac, Mohammed Abdallah (Captain), Sultan Kittu, Mbwana Samatta, Yusuf Soka, and Rajab Isihaka.

Reserves: Selemani Bakari (GK), Stephano Nkomola, Hamis Shengo, Mohammed Samatta, Abdallah Mpandachi, Kisimba Luwambano, and Godfrey Komba

African Lyon today got a step closer to the premier league when they outplayed Nyerere F.C. giving them a whipping of seven goals.

Nyerere F.C. who were trying to rekindle their slim hopes of playing the premier league, after their win over rivals Polisi Iringa in their previous match, but saw the going tough as early as the 12 th minute of the game, when Mohammed Abdallah followed up a rebound, and lobbed the keeper from 25 meters.

It was goal machine Mbwana Samata who received a pass from overlapping Abu Ubwa to tap in his first of the day in the 25 th minute. In the 42 nd minute Mohammed Abdalla connected a well taken Abu Ubwa's corner to make it 3-0 for his team. The score remained 3-0 at the break.

In the second half, Abdallah Mpandachi who was undoubtedly the m ost hard working player on the pitch was taken off and another teenage sensation, Yusuf soka was introduced, in a one sided game that saw veteran goal keeper Ismail Suma virtually unworked.

Mbwana samata made it 4-0 in the 56 th minute, with a cheeky lob over the helpless Nyerere F.C. keeper, before Yusuf Soka who did some hard work in reducing the Nyerere F.C turned provider for Mbwana “POPA” Samatta for his well deserved hatrick in the 60 th minute.

Yusuf soka, was on the mark for his third ever goal for his new team, when he rounded off the keeper in the 64 th minute, before Mbwana Samatta closed the days goal rush with a powerful shot in the 76 th minute.

After the game, Head Coach Jumanne Chale said that he will now turn all his attention to AFC Arusha. “Nyerere F.C. has a good young team, but ofcourse our preparations are paying off, we played well, but this will account for nothing, we want to win every game we play, so for us now the focus is on AFC in the next two days” said Chale.

The line up.

Ismail Suma, Stephano Nkomola (Aziz Sibo 77 mins), Abu Ubwa, Abdul Masenga, Yahya Issa, Victor Isaac, Mohammed Abdalla (Hamis Thabit 60 mins), Rajab Isihaka, Abdalla Mpandachi (Yusuf Soka 50 mins), Mbwana Samatta, Sultan Kittu

Unused Substitutes : Selemani Bakari, Kisimba Luwambano, Hamis Shengo, and Mohammed Samatta.

Nyerere F.C. out to threaten African Lyon F.C.

African Lyon F.C. is the only remaining unbeaten side, and this afternoon will come face to face with Nyerere F.C. of Moshi, who have been far from impressive in their earlier games managing only one point against minnows Korosho F.C. in 4 games, but in their last game against Polisi Iringa, Nyerere hit top form, and registered the much needed three points and a boost to their confidence.

In Yesterday's results which highly favour African Lyon F.C. saw contenders Mwanza United loose to AFC, who will now have revived their hopes of playing the premier league, and Kijiweni F.C. halted Maji Maji's progress by beating them 1-0.

The league table now very congested with almost 6 teams, are now real contenders for the three qualifying spots, and will make the play-off all the more interesting. African Lyon however will have to secure the three points at stake today to loosen the grip from the chasing pack, and in theory 6 points will be enough to secure a qualifying berth for African Lyon.

Teams Press Secretary Hassan Mvula said yesterday that African Lyon were in the same circumstances in the play-off qualifying league just before 4 games to the finale, but the team kept it's composure and came out on top.

“We have been in this situation before, we know what to do, we also know that some of the other teams will even join hands to halt our progress, but this should not stop us in what we do, we will concentrate in winning our games, we cant afford to think about the “other” teams right now, we are leading the table and we have to continue doing that at our oppositions expense”.

African Lyon today will be without their key player Idrissa Rashid, who was sent of against Maji Maji, while Abdalla Mpandachi sets to start at the expense of Patrick Mrope. Rajab Isihaka will also make his first of the play-offs today in the midfield, while Sultan Kittu will move on the left flank, at the same time Veteran Goal Keeper Ismail Suma will make his first start for African Lyon.

The line up today expected.

Ismail Suma, Stephano Nkomola, Abu Ubwa, Abdul Masenga, Yahya Issa, Victor Isaac, Mohammed Abdallah, Rajab Isihaka, Abdallah Mpandachi, Mbwana Samatta and Sultan Kittu.

Selemani Bakari , Kisimba Luwambano, Hamis Shengo, Yusuf Soka, Hamis Thabit, Aziz Sibo and Mohammed Samatta.

Much anticipated tension packed match against the two times champions Maji Maji ended in a one all draw, amid capacity crowd

Both teams started cautiously and trying to read each others' tactics however as the game wore on, it was African Lyon who were more threatening with near misses by Patric Mrope who controlled well Mbwana Samatta's pass but could not convert his chance as he tried to lob over Maji Maji's keeper. Mbwana Samatta tried his best to get Patrick into the game, and as minutes went by African Lyon kept on missing chances, but against the run of play Maji Maji scored from a scramble at African Lyon's goal, after they won a free kick, and it was their star stiker Kapilima who did the damage.

In the 35 minute African Lyon made a change and took off Patrick Mrope for Yusuf Soka, who brough life to the attack, and 5 minutes into his coming on, met Abu Ubwa's pass for a strong shot on, that left Maji Maji's goal keeper stranded.

In the beginning of second half, African Lyon were forced to change Noel Lucas for veteran Ismail Suma, due to a knock picked up by the keeper, and the game was evenly balanced until the 67 th minute when the referee showed Idrisa Rashid a red card, to the amazement of everyone.

From that point forward African Lyon were on a back foot and resorted to counter attack coming close on three occasions, Maji Maji were saved by the crossbar twice and once Yusuf Soka was unable to beat their keeper.

At the final Whistle it was honours even

Line Up: Noel Lucas (Ismael Suma 45 min), Stephano Nkomola, Abu Ubwa, Yahya Issa, Abdul Masenga, Victor Isaac, Mohamed Abdallah, Sultan Kittu, Patrick Mrope (Yusuf Soka 35 mins), Mbwana Samatta and Idrisa Rashid (sent off 65 mins).

Two times Tanzanian Champions Maji Maji will today be African Lyon's toughest test to date, both team having impressed in the play-offs, and both teams having taken maximum points from their respective matches.

This will be the third time these teams face-off in their history, and if history is anything to go by then African Lyon today should come out on top, but will have bitter memories when African Lyon playing as Mbagala Market, needed a win against Maji Maji to secure promotion to the premier league last year, and Maji Maji pushed all the way for a draw, giving way to Azam FC's promotion. And in one previous meeting Maji Maji were beaten 1-0 by Mbagala Market.

Soccer pundits claim that Maji Maji have yet to play their “tough” matches in the league, and this will be their first real test, while African Lyon have played their share of tough matches, and Maji Maji could be the last of them.

Maji Maji and African Lyon are the current favourites for promotion, with no clear indication of the third team, but the evenings kick-off will shed light on that too, when Mwanza and Kijiweni who are both sitting on 6 points face-off.

“This is our final match, we have to win and i don't have a prediction, i prepare my team to win, and this is my prediction” said an upbeat Jumanne Chale, in a pre match interview, while his counter part Peter Muhinzi said that Maji Maji will use all it's experience and to make sure they come out on top.

The starting line up for African Lyon sees Captain Mohammed Abdalla recovered from illness and brought back into the side, while Abdallah Mpandachi who picked up a knock against Polisi Iringa drop out of the side and gives way to Patrick Mrope, while experienced custodian Ismael Suma will for the first time don the jersey on the bench.

Line Up:

Noel Lucas, Stephano Nkomola, Abu Ubwa, Yahya Issa, Abdul Masenga, Victor Isaac, Mohamed Abdallah, Sultan Kittu, Patrick Mrope, Mbwana Samatta and Idrisa Rashid.

Substitutes: Ismael Suma, Kisimba Luwambano, Rajab Isihaka, Aziz Sibo, Hamis Shengo, Hamis Thabit and Yusuf Soka

Mbwana Samata continued his goal scoring exploits, against Polisi Iringa, to keep on track African Lyon's determination to play the premier league next year.

Idrissa Rashid, was the first on the score sheet, after good work by Mbwana Samata, with a tap in, in the 5 th minute of the game.

Polisi were on the back foot through-out the first half, and it didn't take long for African Lyon's teenage sensation Mbwana Samata to register his first and the teams second in the 24 th minute with his solo effort, to make the score reading 2-0 at half time.

In the second half Mbwana was on target again when he received a pass from Idrisa Rashid, and turned away from the defenders and scored from a tight angle.

Yusuf Soka came in for Abdallah Mpandachi and continued to attack the Polisi Iringa's goal, and missed several opportunities combining well with Samatta and Idrissa.

Polisi Iringa pulled one back in the 84 minute, after African Lyon defenders failed to clear a Polisi corner.

Mbwana Samata went in the referess book for unsporting behaviour, and will miss the next game against Maji Maji.

Final score 3-1

Team : Noel Lucas, Stephano Nkomola, Abuu Ubwa, Yahya Issa, Abdul Masenga (Kisimba Luwambani 48 mins), victor Isaac, Hamis Thabit (Rajab Isihaka 72 mins), Sultan Kittu, Mbwana Samatta, Abdalla Mpandachi (Yusuf Soka 57 mins, Idrisa Rashid

PRE MATCH

African Lyon today will try and put to rest Polisi Iringa's hopes of playing the Premier league today, at the Uhuru Stadium.

Having impressed in their earlier games, African Lyon is now the fans favourite to cruise through the play-offs, however not without a fight from Polisi Iringa who will cling on to their faint hopes of making it in the big boys league. Polisi Iringa have already lost their last two games against Maji Maji and Manyema, after a solid win in their opening day match against Kijiweni FC of Mebya.

Another defeat for Polisi Iringa will mean that Polisi Iringa will have an uphill task of winning their remaining games, while African Lyon FC will want a win of any sort to reclaim the play-offs top spot before African Lyon come face to face with experienced Maji Maji side that have a perfect record so far.

African Lyon will see two changes to the side that beat Mwanza United 5-0 three days ago, with star Stiker Abdallah Mpandachi being recalled to the side for his first game after recovering from a fractured metatarsal during training for Patrick Mrope who stays out, and Hamis Thabit coming in for Captain Mohammed Abdallah who will miss the match through illness.

Match kicks of at 16 hrs at the Uhuru Stadium, and will be preceded by Mwanza United playing minnows Korosho of Mtwara at 14 hrs.

Line up:

Noel Lucas, Stephano Nkomola, Abu Ubwa, Yahya Issa, Abdul Masenga, Victor Isaac, Sultan Kitu, Hamis Thabit, Abdallah Mpandachi, Mbwana Samatta and Idrissa Rashid

Subs: Selemani Bakari (GK), Aziz Sibo, Hamis Shengo, Kisimba Luwambano, Yusuf Soka, Rajabu Isihaka and Mohammed Samatta.

Mwanza United's strong start to the play-offs came to nothing in their second game against African Lyon, who have clearly signalled their intent in playing the Vodacom Premier league next season, by sweeping Mwanza United 5-0.

African Lyon who started strongly saw in-form striker, Mbwana Samatha carry on where he left off in the last game by scoring the first goal in the 8 th Minute with a cheeky lob over the Mwanza's keeper, after receiving a headed pass from Patrick Mrope, in the 14 th minute Captain Mohammed Abdallah pounced on a loose ball after Mwanza united failed to clearly effectively Mbwana's shot, and made it 2-0. In the 31 st minute, Mbwana Samatha “Popa” was on target again when he rounded off Mwanza's defense to guide home African Lyon's 3 rd his second for the afternoon.

Coming into the second half Mwanza picked up pace trying to salvage something out of the game, making several changes, but the most effective change was to be by African Lyon technical bench, when teenage sensation Yusuf Soka, came in for veteran Patrick Mrope, and Rahab Isihaka came in for Captain Mohammed Abdallah.

Yusuf Soka who brought life back into African Lyon's attack, took 20 mins to open Mwanza's defence but his shot glided for a goal kick, in the 71 st minute Soka was well place to tap in Idrisa Rashid's cross from the left flank, before another Substitute Rajab Isihaka who pulled away in the right wing, and from the acutest of angels scored a belter!

Speaking to the website after the game, African Lyon's coach Jumanne chale said that he was happy with the performance, and he had seen a few mistakes that need to be rectified, but will be prepared for the next game, while his counterpart said he was beaten fair and square, and praise African Lyon pl'yers' for their commitment.

Line Up : Noel Lucas, Stephano Nkomola, Yahya Issa, Abdul Masenga, Victor Isaac, Mohammed Abdalla (Rajab Isihaka 65 mins)), Sultan Kittu (Hamis thabit 85 mins), Patrick Mrope (Yusuf Soka 56 mins), Mbwana Samatta, Idrisa Rashid

In the 16hrs kick-off, Kijiweni of Mbeya beat Manyema of Dar Es Salaam, 1-0 to keep their hopes of playing the premier league alive, now having collected 3 points from a possible 9 in 3 games.

African Lyon will face Polisi Iringa in the next game on 25/2 at 16 hrs

Tanzania has witnessed today the birth of a new revelry, in a seven goal thriller, that saw Kijiweni succumb to Mbwana Samatha's four goal heroics!

Mbwana Samatha who today made his mark on the first division play-offs, got going early in the 16 th minutes, from a sultan Kittu's pin point through ball. Popa added a second in the 30 th minute, from a Idrissa Rashid's cross. Kijiweni then took control of the game and scored their first goal in the 39 th minute. At half time it was 2-1 to the good.

In the second half 47 th Kijiweni levelled the scores, though Kibaanzi. Popa was on target again with a clinical finish from a through ball from Mohammed Abdallah, in the 68 th minute before closing his account for the day 70 th minute, from a Victor Isaac, stylish free kick. Kijiweni were awarded a 90 th minute penalty, after Noel Lucas was judged to have fouled a Kijiweni player from a corner kick.

Final score was 4-3.

Meanwhile Manyema revived their hopes of playing the premier league, when they came out on top in their match against Polisi Iringa, by a lone goal.

In what is turning out to be the fiercest revelries of the play-offs will get underway at 14:00 hours today at the former National Stadium, now known as Uhuru Stadium.

This revelry is fuelled by the fact that there are reports the Ex African Lyon Hon President and Temeke MP Hon Abbas Mtemvu has taken over Kijiweni FC of Mbeya, and his close allies have vowed to walk away with a win.

Yesterday in the 14:00 hrs kick-off saw AFC of Arusha trash Korosho Fc of Mtwara 3-0, while Mwanza United easily saw off Nyerere FC beating them 4-0. Today's second game will see Manyema try to derail Polisi Iringa

The line up against Kijiweni will be

Noel Lucas, Stephano Nkomola, Abu Ubwa, Kisimba luwambano, Abdul Masenga, Victor Isaac, Idrisa Rashid, Hamis Thabit, Sultan Kittu, Patrick Mrope, and Mbwana Samatta

Substitutes Selemani Bakari, Aziz Sibo, Yusuph Soka, Hamis Shengo, Rajab Isihaka, Mohammed Abdallah, Mohammed Samatta

Watch this place for post match analysis.

Opening day of the first division play-offs saw Kijiweni of Mbeya widely rumored to be under the stewardship of Temeke MP Hon Abbas Mtemvu loose it's first half lead of 1-0 scored by Aziz George in the 18 th Minute, to a goal brace of Polisi Iringa in the second half, making a spectacular 3-1 reading in the full time.

Polisi scored through Kassim Mataka 48, 68 Minutes, Ally Mbasa squeezed in one in the 67 Minutes, while in the 80 min, saw Polisi Iringa's Anton Carlos dismissed for two bookable offences.

Kijiweni and Polisi Iringa both played a dull first half, amid jeers of local fans who turned out in their hundreds at the 14:00 hrs kick off.

The teams were

Polisi Iringa: Juma Jumbe, Wazir Yusuph, Carlos Antony (Dismissed 35 mins), Gasper Assey, Ally Mbanja (John Kauzen 65), Six Mwasigara, Kelvin Karinga, Rashid Adam, Karume Kunga, Kasim Mataka, Claud Wigenge.

Kijiweni: Rajab Ally, Adam Paul, Thabit William, Rahim Omar, Venance Mligo, Blaton Mponzi, Richard Mwakalinga, Kevin Mponzi (Mohamed Bex 56 mins), Aziz George, Richard Peter (Oswald Wilson 69 Mins), Bahati Siri (Emanuel Jeremia 74 mins).

In the second game of the day at the newly christened Uhuru Stadium, formerly the National Stadium saw a tough duel between the play-offs most experienced sides face off, both Manyema and Maji Maji have played the premier league, found it hard to break down each other in the first half, Maji Maji were clearly on top, with Manyema missing a lot of balls in the midfield, in the first half, it was a lack of concentration from Manyema that saw them conceding in what would be the games only goal well taken by Omar Kapilima in the 62 nd minute.

Maji Maji received two yellow cards, goalkeeper Hamad Waziri and Ally Jazza for unsporting behavior, while Manyema also saw two yellow cards to John Mabula and Timoth Paul.

The teams were:

Maji Maji : Hamad Waziri, Said Ngapa, Stanley Nyangile, James Mwakababu, Gabriel Zakaria, Patric Batwel, Omar Kapilima, Juma Mpola, Micheal Mamba, Iddi Ajiro and Ally Jazza (Jett Kabanda 86 mins).

Manyema: Boniface Bwilu, Sadik Sixbet, John Nguya, Thimoth Paul, Ally Milungo, Julias Mrope, John Mabula, Shabaan Ramadhan, Kassim Kilungo, Ally Allaw (Mosa Omar 50 min), Sanday Juma

The league resumes tomorrow where another experienced side AFC of arusha face of with Korosho of Mtwara in the 14:00 hrs kick off, and the 16 hrs kick off will see the boys from Kilimanjaro region test their wits against Mwanza United.

Meanwhile African Lyon FC will play their first match against Kijiweni of Mbeya on 19/2/200 at 14:00hrs

Tanzania Football Federation finally released the fixtures of first division play-offs, after keeping the 9 participating teams in the dark, without any official communications, as to where the play-offs will be held, and the exact dates.

The fixture which involved all participating teams was done by picking up their opponents names from a bowl, to avoid any hint of unfairness, during the play-offs.

Speaking to the website, the Clubs Secretary General Jeshi Zakaria said that he was satisfied with the fixture, and it was done in a fair way, although we are still unsure of all our opponents, and there are still pending appeals against Nyerere F.C.

He also said that TFF had enough time to sort out these issues prior to releasing the fixture, however we feel that there will be cancellations/postponements in this fixture, and this again leaves us unsure of our opponents, and ofcourse our tight budgets will suffer..

The fixtures will see African Lyon's first match the afternoon match against Kijiweni, on 19 th February, 2009 and then will play against favourites Mwanza United on 22 February, 2009 in the evening game.

African Lyon will then play Polisi Iringa on 25 th February evening game, Maji Maji on 28 th February afternoon, Nyerere FC on 3 March Afternoon, AFC on 6 March evening.

Finally African Lyon will face-off Manyema on 8 March, before playing the final game on 10 March, 2009.

The bookies favourites are currently Mwanza United, Manyema Fc, and Maji Maji to qualify for the premier division, however all these teams should expect a big fight from African Lyon's young team.

TO VIEW FULL FIXTURE CLICK HERE

In a monthly board review meeting last night wide range of agenda's was discussed. Official club's press release mentioned a few points that deemed fit for publication

•  Review of preparations for First Division Play-off: The board has been so far satisfied that the preparations as they have gone to plan, and the board also has been satisfied with the attendance of its technical bench and the playing staff. The Team has been in a residential camp since the beginning of December with only breaks coming during Christmas and New Year's holidays to allow players to be with their families during this time.

The preparations were focused on three main areas and they are

•  Team Work: The team trained for almost 45 days for 3 sessions a day, where the focus was on team work, and keeping the players motivated and trying to analyse possible problems with the style, and individual short comings.

•  Physical fitness and Specialised individual training: The team trained in the gym, on cardio, strength, and flexibility under the supervision of professional trainers, for three weeks, in the process players with special needs were identified and worked upon in order to keep a certain benchmark for fitness in the team

•  Technical Training: Currently the team is training at the National Stadium where the play-off will be hosted and the focus is on all technical aspects that were identified during team work preparations, and training matches, and the problems are now being attended by the technical bench, and the selection for the first eleven has now started. Technical training will last for three weeks before the kick off.

•  Injury Updates: Several first team players have been injured during training and matches, and all these players are given full attention, and the management team is confident that the injury list will shrink faster then expected. Currently Abdallah Mpandachi, is the only doubt for the first game scheduled on 17 February, 2009.

•  Residential Camp: The management, and the technical bench have been satisfied with the current residential camp, and the mood in the camp is satisfying.

•  Yusug Ngota and Hamis Shengo: New signing Yusuf Ngota will not be able to feature in the play-offs as his paperwork has not been cleared by TFF, however he will remain in the team as a trainee and will join three other young players in that capacity. The players will continue to be in the club's payroll and will be monitored of their potential for the future. Meanwhile Yusuf Ngota has been allowed to go to Kigoma to attend his brothers burial, Hamis Shengo's mother has also passed away and the player will be given a week off from the residential camp to attend to his domestic issues after the passing away of his mother. As a tradition both Yusuf and Hamis have been given a contribution by the club management towards the funeral arrangements of their beloved ones.

•  Future Plans: The technical bench has been given a target, to win promotion to the premier league, as the preparations have been based on the technical bench's request, the board will assume that promotion is a realistic target. Should the team be promoted the head Coach will prepare a list of players that will be retained for the premier league challenge. The board however plans to reduce the playing staff from the current 30 players to 26 players for the premier league. The board also agreed that African Lyon scouts should travel to Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi to scout for talents. The board has also seen the need to include at least 2 established stars in the team and will approve transfer fees for that. The board will finance the purchase of up to 5 international players for the premier league including 2 established stars.

•  Coach: The board has agreed that because the teams philosophy will be to market and try and sell it's players abroad, a coach with a UEFA licence will be required with a good CV. There is a shortlist of Cvs received for this position, and the final selection will be made by the board in late march. The technical bench and teams consultant on technical matters will be given the shortlisted Cvs for review, and help in the decision making process.

•  Sponsorship: The team has initiated talks with METL – Group to sign a long term sponsorship contract, and will review METL's proposed contract at the earliest, however the team has also simultaneously initiated its desire to have an equipment sponsor with some of its more friendly clubs from who have close ties with such sponsors. Both these initiations should be followed up by the board.

The board would like to wish the management team, technical bench and the players best of luck it their quest to play the premier league next season.

African Lyon suffered its first defeat in over 15 games, against Police Dodoma today. Most of the match which kicked off at 8am, was played under heavy downpour effecting the coastal region of Tanzania, and the water logged pitch was too much for African Lyon

A set-piece against the run of play in the 5 th minute was enough to trash African Lyons unbeaten run of 15 games, after going down African Lyon displayed strong football and dominated the possession, which however yielded no success.

Police College Stadium's pitch was waterlogged and playing conditions were less the desirable, where the players resorted to playing high balls.

Speaking to the website, African Lyon's coach Jumanne chale blamed the pitch conditions saying that the boys could not keep the ball on the ground to actually play the game, and despite the conditions, African Lyon showed commitment and strength

“Our players were stronger, and were attacking through out the 90 minutes, we have been working on strength, and fitness all this time, which was positive, we have seen improvement, and beginning of February we will have tactical trainings, all in all I am very satisfied.

While his counterpart former National Team ace, Sekilojo Chambua said that his boys needed to work more on fitness, and the conditions of the pitch would not reflect any tactical superiority of any team.

He however said he was impressed with African Lyon, and conceded that under normal circumstances African Lyon are very difficult opponents.

African Lyon was represented by Noel Lucas, Stephano Nkomola, Victor Isaac, Godfrey Komba, Hamis Shengo, Mohammed Samata, Hamis Thabit (Liwawa Khalfan 70 mins), Idrisa Rashid, Mohammed Abdallah, Mbwana Samata, Rajab Isihaka.

Our current youth team structure is not up to the mark, and the team is not planned technically to support the first team. These claims were brought forward by the clubs Italian consultant on technical matters, Mr. Adrei Mario Matteo .

In his report to the management he has claimed that like other African clubs that run a parallel youth side, the club has made several “innocent” mistakes in selecting the youth, and this is not because we have sub standard players in the team. The report claimed the talents at African Lyon's disposal were fascinating but technically the youth side representatives made mistakes in selection.

Andrie advised that it was imperative you build a formidable first team of 26-27 players depending on the character, age and playing style of the team, and then you reflect the same on the youth team, however the playing personnel of the youth team should not exceed 16 players, in order to save costs, and the players from the first team who don't get regular starts should come into the youth team for matches to aid the team and motivate the youth, this can also be true for players recovering from injuries.

He cited an example saying if Victor Isaac is playing out his last two to three years, of top class football, the youth team should have a player of the same character being prepared, however the first team should have a substitute of the player and an additional youngster who can get minutes on the pitch, who can also double in the youth team.

He also said building the first team was important that you have atleast two players in each position with slightly different characteristics, the report gave an example saying if the left back, should have an overlapping minded player for certain games, while another player should be more defensive minded for certain matches. This will give the team a wider choice in selection, and mental edge in preparing the team specifically for matches.

Certain parts of the reports remained classified information, but it is understood that these changes will take effect with immediate effect in analysing the players' styles and mentality.

The report which was commissioned in order to effectively utilise funds available also suggested that the team should concentrate on selling players abroad and locally.

Sometimes there are great players in the team, but because they do not fit into the teams' mentality and personality, we have to let them go, and generate some income, knowing we are letting go something special but it would be a talent waste to hang on to the player.. The team should identify a certain personality as a team on the pitch, the fans and should know what to expect when they pay their money to come and watch African Lyon, playing style and personality will add a lot more consistency which many teams lack in Tanzania.

The report suggested that once the first team was established on this formula, the youth side will take effect as an effective mirror to each playing/starting team in the first team. If there is a player at his peak, say 25-26 year old, then a 15-16 year old with close to the same character should be groomed, and sometimes we will have no choice but to drop youth players who do not fit into the team structure because of the style, however the report suggested that all dropped youths should be provided for by the club for their education until they find a respectable team to play for.

It is normal for a club to drop both youth and first team players during transfer windows, and this report also suggested that there could be reinforcements needed for the first team from time to time, from outside sources.

We can register new players, but then again our scouts have to be sure of the players' character, playing styles and a little history, so we should set up a system for our scouts to report all this regarding our target players, once the club has identified the requirements and characteristics of the players required this would also be true in recruiting the youth players.

A team is always evolving, and changes have to be accepted at all times, players come and go, it should be remembered that whenever there are changes in the first team, the youth team will also go through changes to reflect that of the first team.

The management were set to meet and discuss the proposals of this report and the extent of implementations, however there are reports that the first phase of identifying the players will be conducted, and then the second phase of changes will follow with caution not to destabilise the team with wholesale changes.

The management initial reaction to the report was positive and an official statement said that changes were not an avoidable issue, there was no way out of this but to be positive, however there is a lot of technical issues in the 300 page report, which was written to be worked around the current teams budgets.

The report has taken care of our budgets which is good news for a small club like ours, it has highlighted the need of professional players from other African countries which is also positive, but we have to now see how well it works in our environment, and what is the impact on the current squad.

The management will not dismantle any of the first team or youth team just yet, but if the report is adopted then the changes will come in phases and it could take upto two seasons to arrive at the benchmark and putting effective systems in place.

As Temeke Football Association prepares for a constitutional review meeting, all stake holders including all clubs registered under the regional body are constitutionally admitted to the meeting, however TEFA President Peter Muhinza made an abrupt move of not inviting African Lyon to the meeting.

When quizzed by our reporter as to why he had taken such a step, knowing that African Lyon currently are the sole representatives of Temeke region in the first division play-off, TEFA President Peter Muhinza said that he was yet to receive the constitution of African Lyon, and other related documents of change of ownership and name.

This is utter nonsense, said the clubs Secretary General, we have sent the documents by dispatch to TEFA over a month ago and TEFA did receive them, this was confirmed by TEFA's secretary general Athumani Nyamlani who supported the changes.

It is thought that Peter Muhinza was not in favour of changes to the club, formerly known as Mbagara Market F.C. and wanted the incumbent Temeke MP Hon Abbas Mtemvu to run the club affairs, since the former owners felt that the new owners had a presented better plans, for the future of the club, and since the club would not run with political motivation, but solely in development of younger players in the region and challenge for the highest honours in the country

When Peter Muhinza was quizzed about the dispatched documents to TEFA, he admitted the documents were in TEFA's office, but since they were not addressed to him, he has not received them, which is again not an acceptable answer, as the club did not necessarily have to send the constitution and/or other documents to each of TEFA's hierarchy.

“Sometimes you wonder how some of there leaders operate, this meeting is to build good relations with the clubs, with the clubs input to TEFA's constitution will help TEFA more effective body, Temeke has not had representation in the premier league for over 10 years now, doesn't Peter realise that Mbagala Market were a club that was run under the most difficult circumstances, financially, and that the club would have eventually collapsed, the new owners come in and injected much needed cash, they have great plansfor the future,our players and coaches are given their salaries and bonuses in time, we have stayed in a residential camp for the last 2 moths to prepare for the upcoming play-offs, we have taken our kids to the gym, we even have a website, not many single premier league team have all this at the same time, and if he does not have documentary evidence as he claims, then he should invite Mbagara Market F.C. to the meeting, “ said an angry Jeshi who was Mbagala Market F.C. share holder now African Lyon's Secretary General.

Instead of encouraging us, they are trying every possible way to disown us, how can they create a conducive environment for football investment in the region, if they think on those lines, for the last two months we have been training not a single TEFA official has come to visit the team, or ask about the team's progress, knowing we representing TEFA in the play-offs said Jeshi.

Our reporter confirmed the story, and one would wonder how would football develop in the Temeke region, given the circumstances, when leaders like Peter who were oblivious to grass roots, would actually develop football.

The main reason to have these bodies is to encourage grass root developments, African Lyon has over 10 players who are under the age of 18, and hail from Temeke, and they should see their progress encourage them.

African Lyon F.C. in its official press release said that they were “disturbed” at this development, and that they would take “urgent” steps to bring such destructive behaviour by certain individuals to the notice of higher bodies, including TFF.

The press release further said that African Lyon has no plans in relocating, and that TEFA's Chairman Peter Muhinza will have to follow the constitution of TEFA.

The bodies Secretary General Athumani Nyamlani who also is the Secretary General of Dar Es Salaam Regional Football Association and Tanzania Football Federation Vice President said that constitutionally African Lyon had a right to be represented in the meeting.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that TEFA's president was in favour of a move by the Temeke MP Hon Abbas Mtemvu to buy African Lyon play-off rivals Kijiweni of Mbeya, a deal which however fell through after the Mbeya Regional Commissioner, stopped the sale of the club claiming that Mbeya region representatives would not be relocated to Dar-Es-Salaam.

Juma Hamisi an fan of African Lyon said that this “disturbances” TEFA's chairman was trying to cause were target at African Lyon, and wanted African Lyon to move away from Temeke, and give way to Kijiweni which was going to be named TMK United (Temeke Mbagala Kigamboni), a name that was adopted as a pet name for Mbagala Market before it was changed to African Lyon F.C. This is a strategic move to gain instant fans, in Dar Es Salaams most populated suburb.

Club Chairman Hassan Mazala has cautioned the African Lyon F.C. hierarchy and players not to leave any stone unturned in the preparations for the upcoming first division play-off scheduled to kick of on 17 th of February this year.

Speaking to the players and coaches in the monthly review meeting, Mazala told the players to be prepared for tough times ahead, and that this club was now the focal point of the eight teams they will face in the play-offs, and the opponent's main aim is to overcome African Lyon F.C.

“For the remaining eight teams, African Lyon F.C. is the benchmark, they want to over come us, and they feel should they be successful then the other teams will be a walk in the park, but we know that our preparations are adequate but never enough” said Mazala

He also cautioned the coaching staff that their dedication and techniques will now be tested, and that they should be prepared for anything put in front of them. Mazala threw his weight behind the coaching staff and said that their programs were good, and that he has seen a lot of changes in the team, but this was not something they can ride on, rather they still ought to work hard, and see the possibilities of executing all that they presented to the management prior to the training camp, some three months ago.

Mazala who has also being following the progress of other teams closely said, that Mwanza Utd have a good team, Manyema were better now then the first round, and experienced team like Maji Maji and AFC were not to be taken lightly.

“All the other teams are also training hard, and playing matches, they have shown good football, and they are also committed to qualifying for the premier league, so we have to be very careful”. He went on to say that there were rumours that Kijiweni were now under a new management and that they were going to be a strong opponent.

Mazala who was using the monthly meeting to promise incentives to the players, said that this time the management was determined to get promoted and the incentives offered were very lucrative for the players, however the incentives were later discussed behind closed doors.

We have provided 99% of your requests, you are all comfortable in the residential camp, your diet is being well taken care off, you are training at the National Stadium where the play-off will be played, so you will be the home team at all times, we have provided you with Gym facilities, aerobics, so we the management don't see the reason why you should not be promoted he said.

H also said the incentives and bonuses were well thought of, to motivate each one in the team to perform to their full capacity.

Speaking on behalf of the players, their assistant captain Victor Isaac said that he was sure the management were very serious, and it was mutual. “We feel the seriousness it rubs on to us, and we are all determined to take up this challenge, we are all here for one goal, and that is promotion.” Said victor

The team is expected to complete all fitness and specialised training by early February, and they will then get into tactical training. The meeting was all smiles as the players were then invited for lunch with the club's Chairman and each one got a chance to speak to the Chairman individually.

Also in the meeting, the club's Secretary General, Jeshi Zakaria who was in jovial mood was asking players' for the prediction of score against each team they would face, and later declared that African Lyon were out to make history! “The players Mr Chairman have unanimously voted to win the next eight matches in the league” laughed Jeshi

The news coming through the website team aren't the best, Tanzania Football Federation has decided to again go against its own calendar and push forward the much anticipated climax of the First Division that will decide the three teams that will be playing the Premier League 2008/2009 Season.

The play-offs being pushed forward will affect a lot of team that had started the preparations, for the kick off of 10 th January, 2009, but now will have to bear the costs of keeping the team together longer. Most affected will be the ones that had started residential camps, and reports suggests that 7 out of 9 teams that will go head to head in the play-off had residential camps, infact some teams had travelled to Dar Es Salaam to acclimatise, as the rumours were strong that the play-off would be staged in Dar Es Salaam.

Speaking to the Website team, TFF's technical director conformed that the play-off were most likely going to be in Dar Es Salaam, and will start in mid-February, however he could not give the exact date or the fixtures, citing the bring forward of the play-off was due to technical reasons, and other commitments TFF was handling, including the recently ended General elections, CECAFA Challenge cup and preparations for the CHAN Finals for the National Team that are scheduled to take place in Abidjan in February.

In the wake of this chaos, African Lyon will continue to hold it's residential camp, but will now re-organise it's program, and will include a 15 day intensive GYM program, to give the players an edge over it's rivals.

“We defiantly cant just be playing football and ground physical training, the boys have been in the camp for long, and physiologically to keep them motivated we have to think of different ways to keep our players fit, and for us, it's an added cost, since we are yet to have our own facilities but we are in a competition and our sponsor is very cooperative, we will derive a good gym program for our players that will include cardio, strength aerobics and body relaxation cycles which will include sauna, steam bath and massages said Jamal Kisongo

Kisongo said, we value the work rate our players have put in the past, in our training pitch programmes, beach programs, but before we start our tactical training, we feel these players need a change, and motivation, We will have a two day rest from the residential camp, resume with 5 consecutive days of intensive gym, before we take the field for some mere ball kicking programs after the gym, and then have 2 sessions a day of gym for 5 days, before we take the downward trend of 5 days one session of gym slowly integrating training pitch, eventually training programs will take over and the mood will be all serious for the 20 days prior to the kick-off.

Jamal also confirmed that Jumanne Chale had consulted with the directors regarding the programs and a second opinion had been sought from our well wishers who are qualified professionals abroad and after some deliberations, they did come to what seemed the best remedy for this time.

African Lyon F.C. Admin Manager Jeshi Zakaria said that there was on going negotiations with METL –group to formalise the sponsoring contract, up until now the firm has been financing all club activities, this was due to iron out any teething problems that might occur, with the changes the club has endured in the past months, after changing ownership.

METL is said to be fully satisfied with the clubs' daily activities and have backed the clubs' current hierarchy.

Jeshi Zakaria said “METL is very happy, with the club, I just finished a meeting with the Directors of METL, and they have thrown all their support behind the administration, technical bench and the players', and METL is confident that African Lyon will achieve it's short term target of playing the premier league in the coming year.” Jeshi said the proposal of the contract was based on achievements, targets and long term plans, the more we achieve the more we get, and this is how modern football is run

Jeshi however was reluctant to give out what transpired in the first board meeting, of the club, claiming it was too early to mention the terms of the sponsorship contract, but reports have suggested that METL will give a very hefty sponsorship deal, with a view of long-term goals in mind.

Unofficial reports suggest that METL will spend a record amount in the up coming transfer window, should the team qualify for the Premier Division, METL will also provide African Lyon with a training facility equipped with a natural pitch, artificial turf (both FIFA Approved), multi gym, a hostel for upto 40 players, and various other facilities like swimming pool, sand box flood lights etc.

There is good news for the Media team also, African Lyon F.C's website has had a good response so far, but the club is determined to improve it further and incorporate a lot more news, interviews and a picture gallery. The aim is to make the website the source of all club information, making it more user friendly and more interactive.

The official club statement has suggested that the media room budget will expand significantly in the coming days.

METL has also assured the proposed contract will allow African Lyon to get the services of a professional foreign coach, and significant budget to start up a viable Football academy.

METL in the past has provided former Champions Simba Sports Club the biggest club sponsorship package in the country, but Simba is widely accused of failing to meet the sponsors' targets, and left METL no choice but to run down the contract and refuse to renew another one in 2005, however when under contract with METL, Simba Sports club won 2 East and Central African Championships, reached the last four of 2 more, Reached the quarter finals of the African Champions League dethroning Zamalek of Egypt in the qualifying rounds, and won over 9 domestic titles.

METL is renowned for it's professional approach in football, and it's football mad CEO Mohammed Dewji is known to be thirsty of creating an African Powerhouse team for Tanzania.

Preparations for the forth coming First Division play-off are in full swing, and African Lyon continued to impress, with a 2-0 victory over Premier Division side Moro United.

It took new signing Abdallah Mpandachi 16 minutes to open his account, from a well calculated pass from Hamis Thabit.

Playing impressive football, Hamis Thabit turned scorer 10 minutes later, after new boy Yusuf Soka missed two chances to put the game beyond Moro United's reach.

At the breather it was two to the good for African Lyon.

In the second half it was all African Lyon, with several missed chances coming from Yusuf Soka and Patrick Mrope, who were unable to finish.

After the game Fred Felix Minziro said he was impressed with African Lyon's football, and admitted that his team needed to put in serious training if they were going to make any impression in the top flight, while Jumanne Chale said that his team wasted many opportunities, but he was satisfied with the results, because according to his program, they were still finding their prime fitness, and beginning the 2009, the will resume tactical training, and he was confident that his team will only get better.

The results against Azam and Moro are good, we kept clean sheets, which is what we set out for, once we have a clean sheet, it makes winning a lot easier. Moro United is a good team he said.

Wholesale changes coming to African Lyon, while 8 New Players have put pen to paper, 3 players have been sacked, Semmy Kessy has been released, and two players have been dropped from the squad that is widely expected to take African Lyon to the pinnacle of Tanzanian Leagues

Semmy Kessy has joined premier league outfit Polisi Morogoro, after his transfer request was accepted, Semmy will bring an end of 6 months in the team, after an unsuccessful bid to claim a regular starting place in the team, in the mere 3 appearances Semmy failed to score.

Jumanne Chale has said that although Semmy found it hard to establish himself here, he is a good professional with good discipline, and wished him well in the top flight.

Three players Abu Bakir Jurgan, Joel Noel and Hassan Mwamba have been sacked following their role in gross indiscipline incidents, at different times. Abu Bakir Jurgan was the most expensive signing of last season who failed to establish a regular place in the team, while Joel Noel also had only one appearance, both Jurgan and Noel failed to getoff the mark as strikers, Hassan Mwamba a talented defender was shown the door for missing the teams residential camp with no apparent reason, has signed for Politan of Temeke.

Jurgan has been on trials with Premier League strugglers Villa Squad, while Joel is trying out at Mwanza United who are preparing for the upcoming First Division play off.

Veteran Goal Keeper Miraji Juma has been dropped after a dip in form, while Amoa Kefa Zulu has also dropped for the same reason

In come eight new players, who are expected to be unveiled at the teams training today.

Under 17 National team players are among the new faces in the team including strikers Yusuf Soka, Benedicto Jackob and defender Johanes Kajuno. While on trial players Godfrey Komba, Liwawa Khalfan will strengthen the midfield, and Said Mwarami is brought in to fight it out with Abu Ubwa in the left back.

Veteran Goal Keeper Ismael Suma will deputize Noel Lucas in the goal, in a move to fix up the goal keeping woes. Suma has been given a short term contract, while the other players are on a long term contracts.

Former striker Abdallah Mpandachi returns to the side, after a stint in neighboring Mozambique with F.C. Ferreviaro, and brings in experience to the young lethal strike force of the team , a job that is proving to be difficult for the side, after failed bids in the same position by Jurgan and Semmy Kessy.

There has been criticism on the number of changes, but the coach was quick to point out that the departing players were hardly used in the qualifying rounds of the first division league, and the players coming in will only push the core team harder for a fight for places in the team and create a welcomed selection headache

Meanwhile Jumanne Chale has named the new captain of the side, former vice Captain Mohammed Abdallah takes the arm band left vacant by Miraji Juma, while strongman Victor Isaac will be the new Assitant Captain. Mbwana Samatha (POPA) is also named and the second vice captain for the side, in a move to give the young “popa” some leadership experience.

The Management would like to wish all departing players well in their careers, welcomes the new players and congragulates the appointments of the new Assistant coach, and Captains.

Multimillion shillings squad of Azam F.C. comprising of established stars around the region could hardly match young African Lyon stars, and were outclassed for long periods of the game, even conceding a penalty, which however Abu Ubwa failed to convert.

In what was entertaining game watched by a capacity crowed, star studded Azam were first to raid African Lyon's goal, with Ugandan International Dan Wagaluka shooting well wide of Seleman Bakari's goal.

From that point it was all African Lyon, with strikers Mbwana Samatha and Abdallah Mpandachi wasting chances, to go in front.

In second half Azam F.C. deployed the long ball tactic, using the wingers to confuse African Lyon, who were well grounded and made raids of their own through the center of the perk, winning a penalty, after Shekhan Rashid handled the ball in the penalty area ina bid to clear Popas leathel shot on goal.

Abu Ubwa ‘s penalty was easily saved by Azam F.C.'s Ugandan international keeper Ben Kalama, giving a life line to Azam F.C. who then launched their own attacks through Saidi Swedi, and Yahya Tumbo.

Selemani Bakari was called upon the save a shot from short range off Dan Wagaluka in the 76 th Minute before making another save from former team mate Tumbo.

The game ended in a goalless draw, deservedly so for both sides, but Azam F.C.'s Dos Santos conceded that his team has to work overtime to contain African Lyon, and praised the young side for it's well coordinated game. While Jumanne Chale said that his players were not prepared for trial matches just yet, as they were still working on the fitness, and that is why he was forced to use 6 players who did not feature for the side regularly, but he was proud of the result, and went on to say that had the first team players been available the outcome would have been different.

Moro United's bid to get Mbwana Samatha “ POPA” and long time target Stephano Nkomola has been rejected by African Lyon, The Secretary General of the club declared today. He said that Mbwana Samatha and Nkomola are not for sale, and feature in the long term plans of the club, immediate goal being promotion to the Premier Division.

We are financially very sound, and the current credit crunch crises have not affected the club so far, and we have taken preventative measures to sail through the troubled times, he said

We have received a hefty bids for the players, but we have long term goals with the players. The mentioned players will form the backbone of the team that will challenge for medals in the near future. They are a good asset to the team and fully committed to the cause of promotion.

Moro United's coach Fred “Felix” Minziro was quoted saying that he will do all he can to lure the players to the premier league, however the coach conceded that African Lyon were now the favorites to win promotion, and it will be a big ask for his management to get this players.

We know they are being paid well, and their intentions are clear, they are a serious team with fantastic structure, probably the best youth system is taking shape there, but POPA and Nkomola are our priority more then anything else for now said Minziro.

While the Team's Secretary General was quick to point out that the youth policy was specific for the core team, and more talents from the youth systems will be unveiled in the next group phase.

We have lined up a good bunch of youths, Benedict Jacob and Yusuf Soka have impressed the National team Trainer Brazilian Maximo and winning call ups to the Senior National Team.

Both the players have said that they are committed to African Lyon, and their current priority is to play as many matches as possible as the fight for the starting line up gets even harder.