Dar derby: Bragging rights at stake

Dar es Salaam. The two biggest clubs in the Vodacom Premier League, Simba SC and Young Africans, have once against drawn the battle lines for the eagerly awaited derby.

The two arch-rivals will meet at the 60,000-seat National Stadium today in a match that may reshape the title race.

The match kick-off is at 4pm, but the stadium management has urged supporters to come early and peacefully wait for the match which will unquestionably bring businesses to a standstill. Either side will be in a good title chasing position with victory this evening even as Azam FC still hold a joker in the race for the silverware.

Simba relish at the summit of the 16-team log with 45 points after playing 19 games followed closely by Yanga who have 43 points from 18 games.

However, Azam hold the wild card. They have played 17 matches and have 42 points, sitting third.

Azam have an acid test of their own in Mbeya where they take on Mbeya City at Sokoine Stadium. City with a new coach (Kinnah Phiri) on board are expected to be a handful for the Chamazi moneybags. At other venues, Mgambo JKT host Tanzania Prisons as Stand United welcome JKT Ruvu at Kambarege Stadium while Toto Africans and ailing Kagera Sugar will do battle at Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.

However, all eyes will be on the Yanga-Simba encounter for the two rivals command a huge following. Simba have had a better record over Yanga in recent years, but the latter will go into the match with recent memories of a 2-0 win.

Amissi Tambwe and Malimi Busungu scored in that tense match to silence Simba fans who had hoped for a repeat of a 5-0 thrashing their team recorded in 2012. However, things have changed with Simba hiring coach Jackson Mayanja who has gone six Premier League matches without a loss or draw.

“We have done our preparations and as soon as we go onto the field then all the excitement surrounding the derby will be over and the focus will be on the game,” said the Simba tactician.

The Ugandan believes that a win today will make them the favourites to win the title despite Azam having two games in hand.

Yanga head coach was also confident that his boys will play in accordance with instructions and stun the Msimbazi giants for the second time in a season.

“Derby matches are always tricky. Yes, we beat them in the first round, but anything can happen on Saturday (today). They have been strong recently and we are not undermining them. We have to be at our best to ensure we beat them,” said the Dutchman. The centre referee of the crowd pulling match will be Jonesia Rukyaa. She will be officiating the two sides for the second time.