Veteran coach Francis Baraza, who is heading to Pamba Jiji FC in Tanzania/ ANGWENYI GICHANA


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Tanzania Premier League side Pamba Jiji FC will camp in Kenya for their pre-season, according to the newly appointed coach Francis Baraza.

Baraza said he has lined up friendly matches against FKF Premier League side Shabana in Kisii, Kakamega Homeboyz and other Nairobi-based teams for the visitors.

“We shall be in Kenya for a couple of weeks to prepare for the upcoming season. We have lined up exciting friendly games against Kenya Premier League teams,” said Baraza. Baraza joined the Mwanza-based side on Wednesday after parting ways with Kakamega Homeboyz.

“I want to thank the management of Kakamega Homeboyz for allowing me to join Pamba Jiji. I have heard a good relationship with the management, the players, and other stakeholders,” said the CAF-licensed coach.

At Pamba Jiji, he will be re-united with former Shabana striker Mathew Tegisi, who joined the team in January. Previously, coach Baraza coached Musoma-based Biashara United, Kagera Sugar and Dodoma Jiji in Tanzania and helped the teams survive relegation during his tenure. Pamba Jiji finished 11th in the just concluded season.

“The Tanzanians know how to treat coaches. They give us a free hand to do our work, and the working conditions are better than here at home. It’s always a refreshing challenge to work in Tanzania,” he remarked.

He noted that football administrators in Kenya have a lot to learn from their Tanzania counterparts. The former international defender said Tanzania is one of the best in Africa.

“In my analysis, the Tanzanian Premier League is about fifth or sixth ranked in Africa. The league also attracts the best players and coaches from the continent,” he noted.

He said he is excited about facing Tanzania powerhouses led by league champions Yanga, Simba, Azam and Singida Stars.  “I have faced those teams before, and the encounters are always exciting. I look forward to the games against Yanga and Simba,” noted Baraza.

He joins Singida Black Stars coach David Ouma in the Premier League. Ouma guided his side to a fourth-place finish in the league last season.