A combination of pictures showing Yanga forwards Amissi Tambwe (left) and Simon Mvuva celebrating, and Simba coach Dylan Kerr giving instructions to his star striker Hamis Kiiza. photo | file
What you need to know:
The two outfits head into the match bubbling with confidence having won three matches of their opening 2015/16 Vodacom Premier League season
Dar es Salaam. The battle lines have been drawn on one of the continent’s biggest derbies.
Simba SC host arch-rivals Young Africans in a Vodacom Premier League fixture at the 60,000-seater National Stadium today.
The two sides head into the match bubbling with confidence having won three matches of their opening 2015/16 league season.
Yanga sit atop the 16-team log, albeit on goal difference. Azam FC and Mtibwa Sugar have also similar points with the Dar es Salaam’s oldest clubs.
Today’s match promises firework as Yanga, who are also the defending champions, look to inflict a rare defeat on the Msimbazi Street giants.
In recent seasons, Simba, no matter how weak they have been, have almost always terrorised their traditional foes.
Yanga last registered a win over Simba back in 2013 when Didier Kavumbagu and Hamis Kiiza scored to dash Simba’s hopes of building up on their famous 5-0 victory they recorded a season before.
Kavumbagu then decamped to Azam FC while Kiiza trades his skills at Simba and the inform Ugandan forward will certainly be a handful for his former teammates today.
Simba and Yanga had pitched camps in Unguja and Pemba respectively, and were expected back in Dar es Salaam last evening ready for today’s battle.
Speaking on the eve of the match, Simba head coach Dylan Kerr took matters easy and promised their loyal fans victory.
“We’re going out there to win it because that’s what the fans want, that’s what the fans demand. I’ve tried to instil a winning mentality here, irrespective of whether we are playing a small team or a big side,” said the British tactician.
“People want to come and watch a good, entertaining game of football. When we refer to entertainment, we refer to goals. People want to see goals scored and we want to provide that.”
For his part, Yanga head coach, Hans Van Pluijm said the team has plenty of players to use ahead of the derby match calling upon the fans’ support on the big day.
“We are looking forward to the big game. All the players are in good shape. I have a squad of over 20 players to select from. This shows how fine things are in our camp,” said the Dutchman.
“I will maintain my philosophy in football. The key thing is having a strong team-work and every player working hard. We urge our supporters to believe in the team and support players on the match day.”
