Kagera Sugar head coach Juma Kaseja says the team’s survival in the NBC Tanzania Premier League will be decided by their performances in the final matches of the season.
The Bukoba-based side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mashujaa FC in a tense league encounter played at Kaitaba Stadium, a result that leaves their top-flight status hanging by a thread.
Kagera Sugar currently sit in 15th place on the league table — a relegation-threatened position just above bottom-placed Kengold, who have already been relegated to the NBC Championship for next season.
Speaking after the match, Kaseja pointed to pressure as the key factor behind their latest defeat, especially after seeing relegation rivals Tanzania Prisons secure a win against Coastal Union earlier in the day.
“We lost because of pressure. The players saw Prisons had won and that affected their composure. We actually played well, but couldn’t get the result we needed,” said Kaseja.
Despite the setback, the former Taifa Stars goalkeeper remains hopeful, insisting that the fight is far from over.
“We’ll keep pushing. When the league ends, we’ll look at what we’ve collected. We still have a chance — we haven’t given up,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead, Kaseja said the team is already preparing for their crucial upcoming away match against Namungo FC in Lindi, and he believes his players can rise to the occasion.
“I’ve been in these situations before. I know what it takes to play away from home. We’re going there to fight — if others can win away, so can we,” he added.
With only a few matches remaining, Kagera Sugar will need to dig deep and collect vital points if they are to avoid relegation and secure another season in Tanzania’s top flight.