JKT Tanzania are using the current FIFA international break to rebuild their form and sharpen their squad as they target a top-four finish in the NBC Premier League.
Acting head coach George Mketo said the break has provided an opportunity to address weaknesses exposed in recent matches, with the team focusing on defence, midfield and attack ahead of the next phase of the season.
JKT Tanzania have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six league matches, a run that has prompted the technical bench to intensify preparations as the club seeks greater consistency.
“During this FIFA break, we are continuing with our training as we prepare for the upcoming matches. We are working on all three areas—defence, midfield and attack—so that we can perform better in the matches ahead and achieve our objectives by the end of the season,” Mketo said yesterday.
The team will continue training in Dar es Salaam before entering camp after September 25-26 in preparation for their next league assignment against Fountain Gate in Arusha on October 9.
Mketo said the club also plans to use friendly matches against Premier League and First Division teams in Dar es Salaam to give players competitive action during the break.
The matches will be arranged according to the teams’ availability and the club’s training programme.
JKT Tanzania captain Hassan Kapalata said the players are aware of the demands of the league and remain committed to delivering the club’s target.
“As players, we understand how difficult the league is and the objectives we have been given. We are ready to fight for those objectives using our strength, knowledge and ability,” Kapalata said.
He said hard work and proper preparation would remain central to the team’s efforts as the league enters a demanding phase.
“Football is mainly about preparing well and working hard. Our biggest weapon is therefore hard work and good preparation,” he said.
Kapalata also said he remains focused on improving his performance, with the ambition of earning opportunities to play abroad or move to a bigger club.
For midfielder Mwalimu Hussein, the challenge is different. Having had limited playing time this season, he said he remains patient and is waiting for an opportunity to prove himself.
“I have not yet got the opportunity to play regularly, but I believe my time will come. I have not given up. When my chance comes, I will show what I can do,” Hussein said.
The player said his immediate priority is to improve his performance and establish himself, while his longer-term ambitions include earning a place in the Tanzania national team and eventually playing for one of the country's leading clubs.
“My goal as a player is to perform well and show that I have the ability and quality to play football. Another goal is to succeed in earning a place in the Tanzania national team,” he said.
With the league still offering JKT Tanzania a chance to improve their position, the club's immediate task will be to convert the work done during the international break into results when competitive action resumes.