Tanzanian Premier League side Pamba Jiji FC head coach Francis Baraza has attributed the club’s difficult start to the 2026-2027 campaign to a combination of injuries, player departures and delays in securing work permits for new signings.The Mwanza-based outfit has collected just two points from their opening six matches, leaving them with a challenging start to the new season in complete contrast of last season emphatic start. Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsSpeaking to Mozzart Sport, Baraza was candid about the difficulties he has encountered, identifying the three factors as major contributors to Pamba’s struggles. Pamba have been hit by a string of injuries to key players, with newly signed FKFPL 'Golden Glove' winner Stephen Ochieng among those currently sidelined after suffering an Achilles tendon injury. ##NAJAVA_MECA_69523##Defender Brian Eshianda is also nursing a knee problem, while the club’s second-choice goalkeeper is unavailable alongside several other first-team players.“We have had a slow start to the campaign because we have been hit by a number of injuries to our key squad members that have forced me to use makeshift formations that we had not used last season. We have lost Stephen Ochieng, Brian Eshianda and Yonna Geoffrey, just to mention a few injuries,” Baraza said.The Kenya Premier League title winner with Sony Sugar in 2006 also pointed to the club’s activity during the recently concluded transfer window as another factor behind their struggles.Harambee Starlets captain helps Danish side to first UEFA Women's Champions League victoryPamba lost seven key members of the squad that featured prominently last season, including talismanic forward Mathew Tegisi, who joined Singida FC. James Mwashinga, Kelvin Nashon and Abdoulaye Yonta Camara were also among those who departed, with Camara likewise moving to Singida.Baraza believes the departures disrupted the continuity of his squad and forced him to begin another rebuilding process.“We were equally dealt a blow during the window where we lost seven key squad members who were part of my starting team, and that greatly affected us as a team. I was forced back into rebuilding and using new formations, and this takes time to click,” he added.Why Muluya is confident Sharks will retain FKFPL status despite defeat in MombasaThe Kenyan tactician further identified delays in obtaining work permits and registering some of the club’s new arrivals as another setback, with several players unavailable at the beginning of the campaign.“Equally, we had late registration of work permits for our new players, a fact that sadly contributed to our slow start. Nevertheless, the two weeks can offer us a breathing space and have some of the players returning,” Baraza said.With the international break providing Pamba with time to recover injured players and integrate their new signings, Baraza will hope the Mwanza side can use the pause to regroup before returning to league action.Harambee Starlets midfielder joins Greek sidePamba Jiji are scheduled to resume their campaign on Thursday, 8 October when they host Geita Gold in their next league fixture.
7