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Yanga may reconsider stance on June 15 derby against Simba
What you need to know:
- The Citizen has learnt from a reliable source that discussions within Yanga’s top leadership are ongoing and that there are positive signs the fixture will proceed as scheduled
Dar es Salaam. There is a strong possibility that defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) will change their position regarding the much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Simba, scheduled for June 15.
The Citizen has learnt from a reliable source that discussions within Yanga’s top leadership are ongoing and that there are positive signs the fixture will proceed as scheduled.
“We are currently 50-50 on whether to play the match. That’s our position for now. Let’s wait for the final decision,” said a well-placed source who preferred anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
According to the source, internal meetings involving club officials and relevant authorities are actively underway. Although still in early stages, the ongoing dialogue may lead to a breakthrough.
“It’s too early to reveal the details. Discussions are progressing, and we ask for patience as the situation evolves,” the source added.
The uncertainty had initially cast doubt on the fixture, but the latest developments suggest that Yanga is warming up to the idea of fulfilling the Mainland Tanzania Premier League fixture as planned.
The club is currently holding off-camp training sessions in preparation for the league’s remaining matches and the CRDB Bank Federation Cup final.
Meanwhile, Simba have already confirmed their readiness for the June 15 clash.
The team is set to begin preparations by the end of this week, according to the club’s Information Manager, Ahmed Ally.
“We are preparing for the match and treating it with the seriousness it deserves. As Simba, we will honour the fixture and send our team as scheduled,” said Ally.
However, he also revealed that a few key players might miss the camp due to injuries and other circumstances.
Among the absentees are first-choice goalkeeper Moussa Camara and defender Che Malone Fondoh, both of whom sustained injuries during Simba’s recent CRDB Federation Cup match against Singida Black Stars.
Despite these setbacks, Simba remain committed to fielding a strong squad for the eagerly awaited clash, which often draws nationwide attention due to the fierce rivalry between the two football giants.
As fans eagerly await official confirmation, hopes remain high that the clash—regarded as one of the highlights of the Tanzanian football calendar—will take place on June 15 as scheduled, bringing excitement and drama to the domestic league.
