All set for Dar Derby
DAR ES SALAAM: ALL is set for today’s Dar Derby as Simba take on arch-rivals Young Africans at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, with both sides seeking victory to maintain their unbeaten records and gain an advantage in the league command.
The two teams are level on 18 points after six matches, but Yanga lead the standings on goal difference. Ahead of the clash, both coaches have expressed confidence in their teams, stressing the importance of securing maximum points in one of football’s biggest fixtures.
Simba head coach Steve Barker said the FIFA international break and the club’s training camp in South Africa had given his side enough time to prepare for the derby, unlike the Community Shield, when preparations were limited.
“Preparations have probably been the best they have ever been. The FIFA break and our training camp in South Africa have allowed us to prepare thoroughly for this encounter,” Barker said.
He said the mood in camp had been positive, with his players looking sharp ahead of what he described as a major contest between two unbeaten rivals. Barker stressed the importance of defensive discipline and control of midfield, while urging his side to make the most of their attacking opportunities and set pieces.
“Our attacking players are performing at a high level, but defensively we have to be solid. We also have to win the midfield battle and make sure we deal with their set pieces while taking advantage of our own,” he said.
Yanga head coach Manqoba Mngqithi said his technical team had studied Simba’s strengths and weaknesses and analysed individual players who could pose a threat. Mngqithi said nearly two weeks of preparation had allowed his side to refine their tactical approach, while maintaining respect for their rivals.
“We have been fortunate to get sufficient time to prepare for the derby. We have spent nearly two weeks refining our tactical approach, with a lot of respect and humility for Simba because they are a good team,” he said.
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He added that the technical bench had shared its analysis with the players, but said the outcome would ultimately depend on how both teams performed on the pitch. Mngqithi also highlighted the scale of interest in the derby, saying the media attention and passionate support made the fixture particularly demanding.
He said the atmosphere inside the stadium often pushed players to raise their performance levels, underlining the importance of the occasion for both clubs. Meanwhile, referee Ahmed Arajiga has been appointed to officiate the match, with Mohamed Mkono and Alli Ramadhani, both from Zanzibar, serving as assistant referees. Nasir Siyah will be the reserve referee.
The Tanzania Premier League Board’s acting information officer, Yahya Abushehe, announced the appointments at a press conference yesterday. Arajiga previously handled the Community Shield meeting between the two sides at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar on August 12th.
