Rwandan Thierry Hitimana, the head coach of Namungo FC, has warned Tanzania champions Simba SC that his side will go into the FA Cup final as a life or death affair.

The final of the Tanzania FA Cup is due Sunday, August 2.

Namungo, who were promoted to the Tanzania Premier League this season, sealed their slot into the title match after edging out Sahare All-Stars 1-0 in the last four a fortnight ago. In another semi-final, Simba humiliated rivals Young Africans 4-1.

With Simba already crowned champions and guaranteed of Caf Champions League football, reaching the FA Cup final automatically qualified Namungo to represent Tanzania in the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

"We are happy to be in the final, and we will be 100 percent ready for it,” said the former Rayon Sports assistant coach. "We know that the odds will be against us, and that is a motivation for us. We are taking the match as a life or death affair.”

This will be the third time Namungo face Simba this year. Namungo held Simba to a goalless draw earlier this month, while the latter won the two sides’ first encounter 3-2 in January.

Hitimana, 39, previously coached Biashara United – another Tanzania top tier side – before crossing to then newcomers Namungo last season. He penned a new two-year contract last week.

With one match round to go, Namungo, at 64 points, have confirmed a top-four finish in the Tanzania topflight league as they lead fifth-placed Police by nine points.

"We have had a great campaign, we want to finish it on a high – with the FA Cup title. Obviously it is going to be a tough call, but we can promise our fans (and Simba) that we will leave everything on the pitch.”

"We won’t be intimidated by their powerhouse status."