Tanzania’s football: Why Yanga, Simba derby is always full of surprises

I've seen Simba, despite being in poor form, defeat a strong Yanga team. Not just once. Not twice. I've seen Yanga, despite being in poor form, defeat a strong Simba team. Not just once. Not twice. The Kariakoo Derby isn't just about words. It's a match to be remembered. You might feel ashamed. You might not be able to face people tomorrow. It's one of the remarkable things about Tanzania’s football.

Read: Yanga extend points gap over Azam FC and Simba

The Kariakoo Derby between Yanga and Simba is a highly anticipated event in Tanzanian football, known for defying expectations. Despite Yanga's recent dominance and Simba's struggles, the outcome of this match remains unpredictable.

Yanga has been in exceptional form this season, led by standout players like Stephen Aziz Ki, Maxi Nzengeli, Pacome, and Yao Kwasi. Their 5-1 victory over Simba in the first leg showcased their prowess. However, the Kariakoo Derby has a unique ability to render past results and team strengths irrelevant.

Simba, though going through a rough patch, cannot be underestimated. The Derby has a way of revitalizing teams, making it unwise to discount their chances. Fans of both teams eagerly await April 20th, knowing that anything can happen on Derby day.

Despite Yanga's current superiority, Simba fans still hold hope that their team can turn the tide and salvage their season with a memorable Derby victory.

Mathematically, Simba can still win the league title, but realistically, their chances are slim! To boost their hopes, they must win their match against Yanga. In our football culture, the Kariakoo Derby is like another cup. Losing that match, a coach could be sacked or resign. Leaders could vanish. Fans could lose hope entirely. It's a match to restore Simba's honor.

For Yanga, it's a match to proclaim their championship aspirations. Everyone wants it to earn respect in town. Even if Simba hasn't had a great season, winning this match will give their fans something to celebrate until the next season. This match could bring stability to the club and honor to the streets.

After being knocked out of the CAF Champions League by Mamelodi Sundowns, Yanga's anger seems directed towards Simba. They've tasted a 5-1 victory. They see signs of winning the league for the third consecutive time. They see signs of continuing to dominate Simba. That's where the difficulty of this match lies.

Everyone wants this match to restore honor. Everyone wants this match to help achieve their goals.

One of Simba's biggest problems is the decline in performance of their local players. There have been many criticisms leveled at the leadership regarding the recruitment of international players, but I believe the major issue currently lies with the local players. During Simba's recent successes, players like Jonas Mkude, Aishi Manula, Shomary Kapombe, John Bocco, Mohamed Hussein, Erasto Nyoni, and Mzamiru Yassin were in top form.

In Simba's current squad, only Kibu Dennis is a local player maintaining a high level of performance. Heading into the Kariakoo Derby, you need to see Kapombe and Tshabalala performing at their best. Yanga excels from the flanks. Yao Kwasi and Joyce Lomalisa are modern defenders who are always up for attacking.

You need players who can effectively counter these full-backs who, when their team has the ball, constantly play as wingers. In midfield, Fabrice Ngoma has been a master of the ball; the challenge lies in finding someone who can effectively play alongside him.

Mzamiru Yassin's performance will be pivotal for Simba as they prepare to face the formidable midfield trio of Mudathir Yahya, Khalid Aucho, and Maxi Nzengeli from Yanga. These players possess tremendous energy and form a formidable barrier in the midfield.

However, Simba's coach, Benchikha, might opt to pair Ngoma and Kanoute upfront. The concern, however, lies with Kanoute's tendency to expend too much energy without significant impact in attack. Moreover, facing players like Mudathir, Pacome, and Aziz Ki throughout the match could potentially lead to disciplinary issues, with the risk of accumulating yellow cards.

The Kariakoo Derby holds a unique significance, often akin to a final in our football landscape. While there may be doubts about Simba's performance before the match, it's not uncommon for surprises to unfold, potentially even leading to managerial changes post-match. These fixtures are known to influence significant decisions within the clubs and can have a lasting impact on players' careers.

The pressure is immense on all fronts – players, coaches, club leaders, and fans alike. Trust is scarce, and even the slightest refereeing error could have drastic consequences, possibly even affecting the tenure of club presidents. Hence, there's a plea for better officiating standards, perhaps through the reintroduction of six referees and increased camera coverage by Azam TV, especially in crucial areas like the goal line.

Ultimately, the hope is for a fair and just outcome where everyone involved can accept the decisions made. While Simba enters the match as the underdog, their determination cannot be discounted, and the match will truly be decided on the field. Conversely, Yanga's confidence notwithstanding, victory is not assured until the final whistle blows.

The Kariakoo Derby holds a unique cultural significance unparalleled elsewhere in the world. It's a spectacle of wonders, where scores are settled and narratives rewritten after the match. Caution is advised against making premature predictions, as life goes on beyond the 20th of April at the Mkapa Stadium.