DAR ES SALAAM: ALL eyes will be on the electric Mainland Premier League derby this Sunday, March 1, as Simba SC lock horns with arch-rivals Young Africans SC at the iconic Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar and the Msimbazi giants have received a timely double boost.
Simba SC forwards Alassane Kante and Jonathan Sowah have officially completed their five-match suspension and are now eligible for selection ahead of the high-stakes clash.
The duo had been sidelined following misconduct during Simba’s 1-0 league defeat to Azam FC at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on December 8 last year.
The League Management and Administration Committee under the Tanzania Premier League Board imposed a fivematch ban on each player, along with a fine of 1m/- , ruling them out of both Mainland Premier League and CRDB Federation Cup fixtures during that period.
Despite the absence of two key attacking options, Simba demonstrated resilience, securing a 1-1 draw against Mtibwa Sugar and registering convincing victories over Mashujaa (2-0), KMC (2-0), Greenland FC (3-0) and Tanzania Prisons (2-0). The results kept them firmly in the title race and showcased the squad’s depth.
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However, Sunday’s derby presents a different level of intensity and tactical demand. The return of Kante and Sowah significantly strengthens Simba’s attacking arsenal.
Their pace, physical presence and goal-scoring instinct provide head coach and the technical bench with greater tactical flexibility whether to press aggressively, stretch Yanga’s backline or introduce fresh firepower from the bench.
In a fixture where margins are razor-thin and moments define legacies, the availability of experienced and battle-tested players could prove decisive.
With both sides chasing supremacy and crucial league points, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter in Zanzibar and Simba head into the derby with renewed confidence and reinforced attacking power.