Young Africans battle Simba SC in biggest League derby in CECAFA Zone

All roads will lead to the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium today Saturday to witness the Kariakoo derby in the NBC Tanzania Premier League between arch-rivals Young Africans SC and Simba SC.

It is also the biggest League derby in the CECAFA Zone which will pit the two teams in the Zone that reached the quarter final stage of the 2023/2024 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

After bowing out at the quarter final stage of TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, the two sides will be all out to try and prove a point to send a strong message to their fans. Of course Young Africans SC go into the match with a lot of confidence with a 4 point league on the log ahead of Azam FC who have played two matches more, while Simba SC have 46 points from 20 matches.

Miguel Gamondi, the Young Africans SC head coach said that although it is a derby, it is like any other game. ” We have prepared well and the players are very motivated to come out and win the match. Yes we respect our opponents and what happened before will not matter in the match on Saturday, ” said Gamondi.

In their last meeting i the first leg of the League last November, Young Africans brushed a side their rivals 5-1 in a match played at the same Stadium.

But Simba SC who bowed out of the CRDB Bank Confederation Cup few days ago are expected to come all out to try and prove a point. Selemani Matola, the Simba SC assistant coach said during an interview that although they know their opponents are enjoying good form, they are well prepared for the match.

” We are well prepared and remember this is a derby which makes it a very strong match, ” added Matola. The Simba SC captain Shomari Kapombe also summed it up saying they have prepared well and will be all out targeting three points from that match.

While Simba SC will look to the experience of Burundian international Saidi Ntibazonkiza and Clatous Chama for the goals, Young Africans Sc will hope that their midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki who has netted 14 goals in the League now finds his scoring touch.

Referee Ahmed Arajiga is expected to take charge of the match which is expected to attract over 40,000 spectators from within Tanzania and from other countries.

Besides the Tanzanian Kariakoo derby, the other big derbies in the CECAFA Zone include Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards in Kenya, and Al Merriekh and Al Hilal in Sudan.