TANZANIA may linger far behind South Africa in the world football ranking, but still offers a perfect destination for training, Black Leopards midfielder Tiyabi Mabunda has acknowledged.

Lidoda Duvha were in Tanzania last week where they took on top sides Young Africans and Simba and Mabunda has hailed the team's trip to Tanzania as a great success, as it helped them improve their game as they prepare for the Absa Premiership. Why not?

The South African outfit lost two matches against Mainland Premier League leaders, Young Africans and snatched a narrow win over second string Simba side. "The trip to Tanzania was a great idea," Mabunda told his club's website.

"This helped us to realise the efforts done by the management to help us improve our football, which results in us working hard as a team. Playing in Africa is always a tough task but at the same time it helps a lot in improving.

"From the geographic affiliation to the crowd disadvantage it is as hard as it can get but we are getting used to playing in Africa. This will help us when we get back to the PSL as we will be stronger and effective." The South African side spent a week preparing for the second half of the PSL season.

The Limpopo returned to South Africa last Saturday to continue preparing for the resumption of the Absa Premiership, when they will face BidVest Wits in their first match of 2013 on February 13.

After losing their first two matches to Young Africans, Leopards redeemed themselves with the win over Simba and Leopards marketing manager Chief Thidiela was happy with support they enjoyed in Tanzania.

"It was especially evident on Wednesday afternoon when we played Young Africans in Mwanza in the northern part of Tanzania. Yanga were awarded a penalty out of nowhere to get the winner and even their own supporters made loud sounds of disapproval," Thidiela said. "At the end of the match in Mwanza the supporters stormed the pitch to meet and take pictures with our players," he adds.