SIMBA SC BEAT RUVU 7-0 AS OKWI SCORES HAT-TRICK.

Simba striker Emmanuel Okwi celebrates after scoring a hat-trick at Uhuru Stadium during the first day of Mainland Premier League.

Dar es Salaam. Simba Sports Club have started the Mainland Premier League with a bang after humiliating Ruvu Shooting 7-0 at Uhuru Stadium.

During the match, Ugandan striker Emmanuel Okwi scored four goals during his comeback in the league.

It was the first time in 10 years of the league’s history for players to score four goals in the opening matches.

Okwi scored the first goal in the 18th minute after he was set clear by Mzamiru Yasin’s good penetration pass before adding the second goal in the 22nd after beating two Ruvu Shooting defenders.

Okwi proved his strong comeback in the 35th following another good pass from Mzamiru and scored the fourth in the 52nd following a good cross from Saidi Ndemla. Other Simba goal scorers were Shiza Kichuya, Juma Luizio and Erasto Nyoni.

Simba played well during the encounter and dominated it, leaving Ruvu Shooting players hapless. The army team made a few serious attacks through Juma Saidi and Saidi Dilunga, but Simba, under captain Method Mwanjali and Salum Mbonde cleared all balls before reaching goalkeeper Aishi Manula.

“This is the best results we targeted; we played well and created many clear scoring chances. We commend our players for the fine start; it is good and we are sure of maintaining the winning streak,” said Simba assistant coach Jackson Mayanja.

Meanwhile, Mbao FC won 1-0 against Kagera Sugar yesterday while Mwadui FC beat Singida United 2-1.

Azam FC won 1-0 against Ndanda. Mtibwa Sugar beat Stand United 1-0 and Mbeya City won 1-0 against Majimaji.