Tanzania: Chuji Delighted After Making Winning Return

The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

Suleiman Jongo

30 June 2011

Simba midfield maestro Athuman Idd made a bright return to his former club on Wednesday, receiving applause from thousands of fans at the National Stadium.

The player, popularly known as Chuji, decamped from Young Africans at the end of 2010/11 season and played an instrumental role in Simba 1-0 victory over surprise package Zanzibar Ocean View.However, Chuji did not enjoy it all as Young Africans fans who supported the Isles team countered the cheers by booing him whenever he possessed the ball.

Chuji whose stay at the Jangwani Street club was marred by frequent cases of indiscipline signed for the Msimbazi Reds after falling out with Serbian coach Kostandin Papic.

Chuji playing alongside veteran Ulimboka Mwakingwe, who was at Majimaji on a one-year loan teamed up well with Haruna Moshi “Boban”, another player who rejoined the club last month.

Despite his past the long seasoned players failing to score, many hailed them for their brave show.

“Chuji is still the jewel he was before joining Young Africans, he played very well against Ocean View and I believe that he will help Simba win the trophy,” said George John, a die-hard Simba fan.

Another fan, Kelvin Chorray who resides at Mwenge praised his club leadership for re-signing the midfielder, describing Chuji as the type of a player Simba need this season.

“I have heard of his weaknesses, but there are also world-class players whose discipline is worse. I’m confident that Chuji will change with age.After losing the likes of Patrick Ochan and Mbwana Samatta, I think Chuji and Moshi are the right players for Simba this season,” he said.Aloyce Balangu, a Young Africans fan, also acknowledged the quality of Chuji, but dismissed his threat if the two sides meet in the Kagame Castle Cup.

Speaking after the match, the former Taifa Stars midfielder, said he was happy with how the fans received him.

“It was a good feeling. I played from the beginning and it was a lot of fun,” said Chuji.

“It was very strenuous. The difference between playing for Young African and Simba is very big, the tempo here is a lot higher. But altogether I am happy with the game and also my own performance,” he said.

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