DEPTELED Mainland champions Simba left for Arusha for a tricky league fixture against JKT Oljoro tomorrow.

They will be without their key striker, Zambian Felix Sunzu, who is still nursing injury. Sunzu's absence is a huge blow for the holders who are vying to close a six-point gap with their biggest rivals Young Africans.

Simba are already without highly-rated Edward Christopher who is still recovering from injury and Emmanuel Okwi who has joined Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia. Abdallah Juma remains the only recognized striker but the form of the former Mtibwa Sugar hitman has been a major concern among the Msimbazi Street faithful.

Simba left yesterday for Arusha ready for the tricky fixture at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium. They know they cannot afford any further slip-up if they must keep their title retention hopes alive.

Patrick Liewig's side squandered an opportunity to close the gap on top two teams, Yanga and Azam FC respectively, when they were held to a 1-1 draw by JKT Ruvu at the National Stadium last Sunday.

After 15 rounds, Yanga continue to stay on top of the league with 33 points, Azam second on 30 points, Simba take third spot with 27 points while Coastal Union find themselves fourth following their goal-less draw against Tanzania Prisons.