THE ongoing mini-transfer window shapes as make or break for a host of Mainland clubs, with title heavyweights busy in the market looking to bolster their squads after a battling start to the new campaign.The month-long transfer window, which opened on November 15, represents a chance for clubs to give their teams a boost but once again it is the big clubs that are dominating the market.
Defending champions Azam FC have reacted to their recent stuttering form by sealing the signing of Ivorian defender Paschal Serge Wawa on a two-year contract.
Wawa’s transfer from Sudanese giants El Merreikh has been hailed as a good deal that is expected to bolster the Tanzanian side not only on the domestic front, but also in the CAF Champions League.
Joseph Omog’s determination to improve his squad saw him recruit ever-green Amri Kiemba from Simba. The reliable midfielder for both Simba and the national team, Taifa Stars, has fallen out with his current club and has joined the city tycoons on loan.
Azam’s spending is likely to continue. Mali’s striker Mohamed Traore, who plays for El Merreikh, remains the leading target as the future of the Ivorian striker Kipre Tchetche still hangs in balance.
While Azam are flexing their muscles seeking to revive their fortune, one would not expect other title contenders to lay dormant in the market and there are transfer activities going on at both Young Africans and Simba.
Yanga, in particular, are set to welcome Brazilian defensive midfielder Emerson De Oliveira Neves Roque (24) for trial and medical test ahead of a potential move.
Roque, who has been spotted by the club’s head coach Marcio Maximo, would likely fill the void left by compatriot Geilson Santos ‘Jaja’, who has returned home after failing to make an impact since joining the club a few months ago.
Maximo wants to add some firepower to his misfiring attacking force during the ongoing transfer window and has reportedly earmarked Uganda Cranes striker, Yunus Sentamu, currently with Congolese side AS Vita.
Exciting Mbeya City attacker Deus Kaseke is also reportedly attracting interest from giants Simba and Yanga, who unsuccessful tried to sign him before the start of the season.
Though the Reds have tried to distance themselves from a possible move for Kaseke, reports suggest that the Simba Players’ Registration Committee members have been working hard to win his signature.
Simba are also reportedly seeking the signature of Mtibwa Sugar’s duo of Ame Ally and Hamis Kessy, Prisons’ Salum Kimenya as well as former goalkeeper Juma Kaseja, who has reportedly terminated his contract with Yanga.
But their best move was to seal a two-year extension deal with their midfield maestro Jonas Mkude, who was on both Yanga and Azam’s radar.
Several other clubs have signaled their intention to strengthen their squads, with Ndanda FC also looking to bolster their team after a tough start to life in the top flight league.
Struggling Mbeya City will be eager to retain key players in the squad but also bring in some freshness to the team that finished second runners-up the previous season.
