Simba, Yanga in epic trial

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s main arch-rivals Young Africans and Simba SC today engage in a face-off at the National Stadium in the ongoing Mainland Premier League.

The sides have been under immense pressure from fans to improve their stakes in the league standing.

Simba SC, who are at the top of the standing with 18 points, need the victory by every means to continue holding onto the pilot seat as well as revenge the defeat it suffered on May 18, this year. In the match, Young Africans emerged with a 2-0 win.

Yanga, however, will need not only win the game but to score six goals if they are to unseat their rivals from the position.

Simba assistant head coach Jamhuri Kihwelu said they want to teach Young Africans a lesson they will never forget. Kihwelu said his players were in top form and were happy to see their left back defender Issa “Baba Ubaya” Rashid coming back.

He said Rashid was among the injured players and their technical bench had a hard time sorting out who could cover the gap.

“We are sure we’re going to win the match. We believe in our players. They are highly committed and we hope to come out with a 3-0 victory,” said Kihwelu.

The side will depend on sharp striker Amisi Tambwe, who is currently leading the scoring chart with eight goals. Other players who will make things difficult for Young Africans include Haruni Chanongo, Betram Mwombeki, Amri Kiemba and Ramadhan “Messi” Singano.

Young Africans’ assistant head coach Fred Felix Minziro said his players were well prepared ahead of the encounter. Minziro said there was no injured player in the side and Salum Telela who missed four matches has returned.

“All players are in good health ahead of the match; they want to continue pouncing on the Msimbazi Street boys and take the lead in the standing, victory is a must, but how many goals, will depend on the chances created,” said Minziro.

Minziro said that their striking force will be formed around Mrisho Ngassa, who last season played for Simba SC. Ngassa will be playing for the Jangwani Street team against their rivals for the first time since he joined Azam FC two years ago. Also in the striking force will be Haruna Niyonzima, Didier Kavumbagu and Hamis Kiiza.

World soccer governing body Fifa badge referee Israel Mujuni Nkongo will be in charge of the big clash. Nkongo will be assisted by Hamis Changwalu of Dar es Salaam and Ferdinand Chacha from Bukoba. The fourth official will be Oden Mbaga of Dar es Salaam.

The match commissioner will be John Kiteve from Iringa. Referees assessor shall be Stanley Lugenge from Njombe.