Decisive day for giants

DAR ES SALAAM: THE much-anticipated Dar es Salaam Derby pre-match press conference hit an awkward note yesterday after Simba failed to appear at the scheduled time, leaving rivals Young Africans to face the media spotlight alone.

The briefing, a mandatory event under league regulations, was set for 11:30am, just a day before today’s showdown at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

However, as the clock struck the hour, it was only Yanga’s delegation that had arrived, with no sign of Simba’s presence.

Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) Communications Officer Karim Boimanda expressed disappointment over Simba’s absence, noting that efforts were made to contact the club for an explanation without success.

“We tried to reach Simba officials by phone to find out why they hadn’t shown up, but unfortunately, we could not get through,” Boimanda said.

Simba’s silence added fuel to speculation already swirling from earlier comments made by the club’s officials, including Spokesperson Ahmed Ally and Chairman Murtaza Mangungu, both of whom had stopped short of confirming Simba’s participation in the derby.

In recent interviews, Ally had danced around the subject, offering cryptic responses and diverting attention toward preparations for next season.

In one such instance, when asked directly whether Simba would play the derby, he replied, “Let me assure Simba fans that if there is any development concerning the June 25 derby, the match scheduled for the day after tomorrow, we will inform you.”

Even attempts by the ‘Daily News’ to reach Ally directly were unsuccessful, as his phone went unanswered.

Simba Club Chairman Murtaza Mangungu also left the public guessing. Following Simba’s recent league match against Kagera Sugar, Mangungu dismissed talk of the derby, stating, “We can’t talk about preparations for that particular match yet. We will speak when the time is right. Every league match is equal-none has any special status.

” Meanwhile, Yanga used their solo spotlight to send a clear message: they are ready for battle.

Addressing the press, Yanga’s Head Coach Hamdi Miloud confirmed that his squad is fully prepared for the derby, with only one injury concern—forward Prince Dube, who picked up a knock in their recent fixture against Dodoma Jiji.

“Dube is the only injured player and is recovering well. All other players are fit and ready to face Simba,” said Miloud.

Despite Simba’s absence and ambiguity, Miloud extended respectful words towards their arch-rivals, but made it clear that Yanga were focused on nothing short of victory.

“We respect Simba, of course, the club, the players and the fans,” said the Algerian tactician. “But we are Young Africans, and we will do everything to be champions tomorrow(today).”

With both clubs steeped in rivalry and pride, the derby remains one of the most fiercely contested fixtures on the Tanzanian football calendar. But Simba’s press conference no-show has cast a cloud of uncertainty just hours before kick-off, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the Red side’s true intentions.

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Whether Simba’s noshow is mind game or internal decision-making remains to be seen.

However, later in the day, Simba confirmed their participation in the derby through the Simba SC App.