MTIBWA Sugar Football Club’s prospects of remaining in the NBC Premier League next season have become increasingly precarious after a 0-0 draw at home against Namungo FC.

The match, played at the Manungu Complex Stadium in Turian, failed to produce any goals, leaving Mtibwa Sugar entrenched at the bottom of the league standings.

The draw, compounded by a series of poor results, has put significant pressure on the team to secure their position in the league. Currently, Mtibwa Sugar sits in last place with 21 points, with only two matches left in the season.

Their head coach, Zuberi Katwila, expressed his disappointment after the game. 

“The match was very tough. Namungo FC is a very hard opponent. We all know they have good players with experience. We created a lot of chances but could not use them. That happens in football; we have to learn from our mistakes,” Katwila said.

He added: “We will go back to the training grounds and work on these mistakes. But for the coming matches, we will make sure everything goes well so that we can get points and see what the future holds for us. For now, the important thing is to focus on the next two matches.”

With only two games remaining, Mtibwa Sugar must win both to reach 27 points. Even then, their survival in the NBC Premier League will depend on the performance of their rivals, Geita Gold FC and Tabora United FC, in their remaining matches. 

The situation is dire for a team that has been a staple in the Premier League since its promotion in 1995 and won the league championship in the 1999-2000 season. 

For 29 years, Mtibwa Sugar has managed to avoid relegation.

The club has also played a crucial role in developing and nurturing local talent, producing players like Dickson Job and Kibwana Shomari of Yanga, and Simba’s Mzamiru Yassin, who have all excelled in the league.

 A relegation would be a significant blow not only to the team but also to the Morogoro region’s young soccer players who see Mtibwa Sugar as a pathway to professional success.

This season, Mtibwa Sugar has struggled significantly. After 28 matches, they have collected only 21 points, with five wins, six draws, and 17 losses. 

Their defense has been particularly vulnerable, conceding 46 goals – the most in the league. 

The team’s recent form under coach Katwila has been poor, with only one win in their last five NBC Premier League matches.

In stark contrast, Namungo FC remains comfortably in the mid-table, sitting in seventh position with 28 points. They have played 28 matches, securing seven wins, 11 draws, and 10 losses. 

Their position in the league is relatively secure, provided they perform well in their remaining matches against Tanzania Prisons and Tabora United.

For Mtibwa Sugar, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Their fate is no longer entirely in their own hands. The team’s performance in the next two matches is crucial, but they will also need favorable results from other matches to avoid relegation or at least secure a spot in the playoffs. The club’s supporters, players, and staff are all acutely aware of the stakes.

“We need to stay focused and believe in ourselves,” said one of Mtibwa Sugar’s veteran players, who asked to remain anonymous. “We’ve been in tough spots before, but we’ve always managed to pull through. This time, we need to dig deeper and give it everything we’ve got.”

The team’s next match is a must-win encounter, and the pressure is palpable. Fans are expected to turn out in large numbers to support their team, hoping that their presence will inspire a turnaround. 

As the season draws to a close, Mtibwa Sugar’s battle for survival epitomizes the drama and uncertainty that makes football so compelling.

Whether they can defy the odds and retain their NBC Premier League status will be determined in the coming weeks. 

For now, the focus is on preparation, resilience, and a bit of luck. The entire Mtibwa Sugar community is holding its breath, hoping for a miracle to keep their proud history and legacy alive in Tanzania’s top-flight football.