POLISI Tanzania head coach Mbwana Makata has praised his players for maintaining their focus and executing the team's game plan after defeating Mbeya Kwanza 3-1 to seal a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory and book a place in the final promotion/relegation play-off.

The victory at Ushirika Stadium in Moshi confirmed Polisi Tanzania as winners of the Championship promotion play off, keeping alive their hopes of earning promotion to the Mainland Premier League for the 2026/27 season.

Despite the convincing aggregate scoreline, Makata admitted the contest was far from easy, describing Mbeya Kwanza as a quality side that made his team work hard throughout the two legged tie.

Speaking after the match, Makata acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents, saying the aggregate result did not fully reflect the intensity of the encounter.

He noted that Mbeya Kwanza competed strongly and forced Polisi Tanzania to remain disciplined from start to finish.

"The match was difficult because we were playing against a very good team. We respected our opponents, but our objective was clear and that was to win and qualify for the next stage," Makata said.

The coach added that his players remained committed to the tactical approach prepared before the match, allowing them to control key moments and ultimately secure another important victory.

Makata credited his team's success to careful preparation and tactical discipline throughout both legs of the tie.

Following the first leg victory, the coach had revealed that Polisi Tanzania spent considerable time analysing Mbeya Kwanza's style of play before the encounter, enabling his players to exploit their opponents' weaknesses.

That preparation once again paid off in the return leg as Polisi Tanzania completed the job with another impressive performance, winning 3-1 on the day to progress comfortably with a 7-1 aggregate score.

The result also ended Mbeya Kwanza's hopes of reaching the Premier League next season.

Polisi Tanzania are now just one step away from securing promotion to Tanzania's top flight league.

Makata's side will now face the loser of the Premier League survival play off between Mbeya City and Tanzania Prisons in the final promotion/relegation play-off.

Mbeya City currently hold the advantage after recording a 2-0 victory in the first leg played at Sokoine Stadium.

The decisive return leg is scheduled for July 8, when Tanzania Prisons will attempt to overturn the deficit and keep their Premier League status alive.

The aggregate winner of that tie will remain in the Premier League for the 2026/27 season, while the losing club will meet Polisi Tanzania in a winner takes all two legged showdown to determine the final team that will compete in next season's top division.

With confidence growing after an emphatic performance over two legs, Polisi Tanzania will now await their next opponents as they prepare for the biggest challenge of their season and a final opportunity to return to the Premier League.