Singida, Tanzania – Former Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma is one win away from achieving yet another milestone in Tanzanian football, as he edges closer to guiding Singida Black Stars to the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round. Ouma, who achieved a similar feat with Coastal Union last season, is now on the cusp of repeating history with a different side — and in a familiar stadium.
Currently sitting fourth on the Tanzanian Premier League table with 50 points, Singida Black Stars are well-positioned to seal a top-four finish and secure continental football next season. With just five matches remaining, they enjoy a commanding 13-point lead over fifth-placed Tabora United. Should Singida win their next fixture, they will hit 53 points — a total that would be unreachable for Tabora even if they win all their remaining games.
Interestingly, Tabora United face Mashujaa FC tomorrow. A loss for Tabora in that encounter would also automatically confirm Singida’s top-four finish, regardless of Singida’s own result.
Adding more drama to the weekend is Singida’s upcoming match against Coastal Union — the very club Ouma led to continental qualification last season. The showdown will take place at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga, a venue Ouma knows all too well. The emotional reunion will carry high stakes, as Ouma aims to deliver another landmark for Singida in a familiar stadium.
The stakes are even higher following Singida’s crucial 1-0 win over third-placed Azam FC in their last league outing, thanks to a decisive goal from Kenyan international and Harambee Stars striker Elvis Rupia. That victory brought Singida within a single point of Azam and reignited hopes of a third-place finish.
Singida’s leap to third could materialize as early as tomorrow, should they beat Coastal Union and Azam falter against league leaders Yanga SC in the highly anticipated Mzizima Derby.
Alongside Ouma in the Singida dugout is fellow Kenyan Lawrence Webo, serving as the club’s goalkeeper coach. Webo brings a wealth of experience, having previously held the same role with Harambee Stars, AFC Leopards, and Rwandan side Rayon Sports.
For Ouma, the mission is clear: a win against his former club or a loss for Tabora United would be enough to book Singida Black Stars’ place in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round — and further solidify his growing legacy in Tanzanian football.
