DAR ES SALAAM: WITH just 48 hours to go before Dar es Salaam Derby roars to life, coaches from Tanzania’s football giants Young Africans SC and Simba SC have declared their squads ready and raring for battle, promising a thrilling spectacle at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
Derby fever has already gripped the Isles with both teams already in Zanzibar to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the encounter.
Heading into the clash, Yanga sit comfortably at the top of the league standings with 28 points from 10 matches, while Simba occupy third place with 23 points from the same number of games.
The five-point gap adds extra spice to an already fierce rivalry. Prior to departing for Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, Simba Head Coach Steve Barker dismissed suggestions that the derby carries any pressure beyond the usual three points at stake.
“Every game is worth three points. Whether you play Azam or YoungAfricans, you go out there to get three points,” he said.
“On Sunday we face Young Africans. I’m looking forward to the derby; it’s a big one. We don’t play for six points in a derby; we play for three, just like any other match. The pressure is the same. But of course, it’s a big, exciting game and we are all looking forward to it.”
Barker confirmed that Simba will complete their final training sessions today and tomorrow as they polish tactics and sharpen match fitness.
On the opposite bench, Young Africans Head Coach Pedro Goncalves described the derby as a long-awaited showdown that has ignited excitement among players and fans alike.
“It’s an exciting match. Everybody has been waiting for this game for a long time. The motivation will be at the highest level not only for us, but for Simba as well, for sure,” he said.
Despite the hype surrounding the encounter, the coach stressed the importance of composure and focus, expressing satisfaction with his team’s form so far this season.
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“Once again, it’s about keeping our feet on the ground and staying focused on our performance. Up to now, we have been doing things very well. Even when we have had setbacks, we have faced them directly we don’t hide from anything. That’s why I am very, very happy.”
Yanga, however, head into the derby managing a few injury concerns.
Pacôme Zouzoua remains sidelined, while Chadrack Boka has been battling flu and Edmund John is nursing a shoulder problem along with a toe injury.
“Pacome Zouzoua is still not available, but inshallah tomorrow will be better,” the coach revealed.
“It’s not only Pacome. Chadrack Boka woke up with a temperature and the flu. Inshallah, he will also recover tomorrow. Edmund John is dealing with a shoulder problem and has pain in one of his toes.”
Beyond bragging rights, Sunday’s result could significantly shape the title race. For Yanga, a win would extend their lead at the summit to eight points over Simba and three over second placed side JKT Tanzania with 28 points in 17 games.
For Simba, however, victory would cut the gap to just two points, throwing the title race wide open and reigniting their pursuit of top spot.