Anxiety rises as soccer titans’ encounter nears

Dar es Salaam. Anxiety is rising ahead of the August 23rd Community Shield clash at the National Stadium by Tanzanian football giants —Young Africans and Simba SC.

Young Africans are camping in Pemba. They archrivals Simba left Dar yesterday for Unguja.

Simba acting president Salim “Try Again” Abdallah said yesterday that their camping in Unguja would enable the players and the technical bench to concentrate on preparations.

Abdallah said they had chosen Unguja due its good environment and they normally do well in matches when they train there.

He said they expect to play one match in Zanzibar to see how they were faring.

“We played two matches at the National Stadium and won both of them. We won 1-0 against Rwandan champions, Rayon Sport, during Simba Day and later registered 1-0 against Mtibwa Sugar in a friendly match.”

According to assistant coach Jackson Mayanja, Shomary Kapombe will not feature in the encounter as he is yet to recover fully.

“I think you know the importance of the match, although it is Community Shield, fans of both teams are eagerly waiting for the match. Some people may lose their job those betting will lose their properties. It is a very serious encounter because rivalry by the two teams is intense.”

He also said John Bocco was undergoing treatment after being injured in the recently friendly match against Mtibwa Sugar.

“I can’t tell with certitude whether he will feature in the match. That will depend on his recovery. However, we would like him to play.”

He also explained that the performance of his squad was improving as the technical bench correcting mistakes seen during the previous two friendly matches.

Young Africans and Simba, both based in Dar es Salaam are old clubs. The former was formed in 1935 and the latter in 1936.