Mainlaind giants Simba SC and Young Africans have received a timely boost ahead of second round of the Premier League and CAF club competitions after being presented with sports gears, donated by the Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL).

The sportswear, part of TBL's five-year sponsorship deal with the two Dar es Salaam-based outfits, include jerseys, shoes, goalkeeper gloves, shin guards, balls, stop watches, captain armbands, bibs, ankle support, track suits, and casual wears.

Only last year, the beer brewing company through its Kilimanjaro Premium Lager brand entered into a new deal worth 5bn/- with the two clubs, a 66 per cent increase of the initial three-year 3bn contract.

Speaking at a brief hand-over ceremony held at the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) headquarters, Kilimanjaro Beer Brand Manager, George Kavishe, expressed TBL's gladness to be associated with the country's leading clubs, insisting that the company was committed towards the development of the sport.

"With only few days remaining before the start of the second round of the 2011/2012 Premier League season, TBL is delighted to distinctively declare its keen interest in this country's football," said Kavishe. "By sponsoring these two old clubs, with a huge fan base, it testifies that we're committed towards the development of this sport, we believe that on doing so we would motivate the players put up on good performances during the entire domestic league season and internationals matches," he added.

Speaking during the occasion, Simba's General Secretary Evodius Mtawala thanked TBL for implementing their contract accordingly. He said the kits support would go a long way in motivating his side to reclaim the top flight title they lost to their archrivals Yanga last season.

Yanga's General Secretary Celestine Mwesigwa, was equally appreciative, adding that his team will take the donation as a challenge to perform impressively and eventually retain their league title. TFF General Secretary, Angetile Osiah acknowledged the TBL's sponsorship of the two clubs, saying the sponsorship by large served for the growth of football in the country, and it motivated, both Simba and Yanga players.

Osiah said: "We appreciate TBL's efforts to uplift our football, it is in our great expectations that this season will go down as the most competitive and exciting one because teams have recruited good players and there is good competition coming from some promoted sides.

Osiah challenged other clubs in the top flight league to set-up good environment that would help them draw in sponsors and ultimately end their financials woes. While the second round set to kick off on Saturday, Simba and Yanga, in first and second position respectively, are braced for a tight race in their hunt for the league trophy, alongside third-placed Azam FC. Simba lead the rest of the pack with 28 points and Yanga come closely with 27, both have played 13 games.

The fixture shows that on Saturday, the defending champions, Yanga will play Moro United at the National Stadium, with Mtibwa Sugar taking on fourth-placed JKT Oljoro at Manungu Stadium, while Ruvu Shooting will be on road to take on Toto African. Struggling side Villa Squad will be trying to salvage their season against visiting Kagera Sugar at Chamazi Stadium on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam. League leaders Simba will get their second round campaign underway on Sunday against Coastal Union of Tanga.