Dar es Salaam. Mbuni FC have shifted their focus to the Championship after being knocked out of the CRDB Federation Cup, with head coach Leonard Budeba saying the team is now targeting a place in the play-offs.
The side bowed out of the competition following a 3-0 defeat to JKT Tanzania in their Round of 16 clash at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, a result that sent JKT through to the quarter-finals.
Budeba said the loss had offered valuable lessons for his squad, adding that the technical bench would use the experience to correct shortcomings ahead of their remaining fixtures.
He noted that Mbuni created several chances but failed to convert them, while defensive lapses proved costly against a more clinical opponent.
He said matches at that level are often decided by small margins, with experienced teams making the most of limited opportunities, an area he admitted Mbuni must improve.
Despite the defeat, Budeba maintained that his players showed encouraging signs in terms of performance, insisting the scoreline did not fully reflect the effort displayed on the pitch.
Mbuni now return to league action in the Championship, where they are set to face Gunners FC in a match that could have a significant impact on their push for a play-off berth.
The coach said the team will also focus on strengthening the players’ mental resilience to ensure they remain competitive as the season approaches its decisive stage.
