Azam FC assistant coach Bruno Ferry is urging his squad to bounce back as they prepare for their Tanzanian Premier League opener against JKT Tanzania. The fixture, set to take place at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, follows a disappointing early exit from the CAF Champions League.
The Tanzanian club was eliminated from Africa’s premier club competition by Rwanda’s APR, falling short with a 2-1 aggregate defeat.
Despite the setback, Ferry is confident that his players can refocus and start the league campaign with a renewed sense of purpose.
Speaking ahead of the season opener, Ferry stressed the importance of starting on the right foot, emphasizing that the outcome of the first match can have a lasting impact on the rest of the season.
“After our disappointment in the Champions League, we expect a positive reaction from the players,” Ferry told reporters, as quoted by the Daily News.
“It’s crucial that we approach this game with a winning mindset and a fighting spirit.”
The assistant coach acknowledged the challenge posed by JKT Tanzania, a team with a new head coach, but he remains optimistic about Azam’s ability to bounce back.
“Our opponents are a good team with a new coach, which presents a challenge for us to see how well we can recover from the recent setback,” Ferry noted.
Azam’s focus now shifts entirely to the Premier League, where they aim to build on last season’s performance.
Having finished fourth in the previous campaign, the club is determined to surpass that achievement, despite the increasing competition from other teams that have bolstered their squads.
“We aim to surpass our achievements from last season. We know it will be a tough season, as other teams have made strong signings, but we must clear our minds and strive for better,” said Ferry, highlighting the club’s ambitions for domestic success.
Azam FC, one of Tanzania’s top clubs, is well-known for its ambitions on both the domestic and continental stage.
However, their recent elimination from the CAF Champions League was a significant blow.
Despite this, the team is determined to shift gears and focus on the Premier League, where a strong start could reinvigorate their campaign and restore confidence among players and fans alike.
As the club prepares to face JKT Tanzania, all eyes will be on how Azam FC responds to adversity.
The match presents a crucial opportunity for the team to make a statement of intent and prove that they are ready to contend for top honors in the Tanzanian Premier League this season.
