‘It is unpredictable derby

TANZANIA: FOOTBALL legends have said people should expect an unpredictable Kariakoo Derby clash as Young Africans host Simba at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

The two sides are already in preparation for the eagerly awaited electric match, with a maximum of three points hanging by a thread.

Hosts Yanga have opted to stay put in the Dar es Salaam City while Simba are in Zanzibar for a brief camp before returning to take on their traditional rivals.

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Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ yesterday, former Yanga player, Bakari Malima , described it as a very tough game, saying that until now no team is a hundred per cent sure to carry the day.

“Derby is always unpredictable; you cannot say which team will grab the victory, because on that day each side will come with fresh ideas and tactics. “We just need to wait and see the outcome after the last whistle, but for now it is hard to imagine the real outcome of the game,” Malima said.

Furthermore, he seized the platform to urge supporters to maintain peace, as football is a game that is judged on fair play and the result should be well received.

“No matter whether you win or lose, just accept the outcome and expect to achieve more in the next matches. This is the spirit that our fans should always embrace to make this game of football beautiful,” he said.

Similarly, Ex Simba player, Dua Saidi, envisioned a tough clash, saying until now the equation remains balanced, and as such people should be ready to witness a match of the season.

“Simba have struggled in their recent games and one of the main challenges they face is scoring efficiency… football games are won by goals and nothing else, hence they need to work on that.

“On the other hand, Yanga have maintained their consistency, they have been winning most of their encounters, and morale among their players is currently high…we should just wait for the big match,” he said.

On his part, former Majimaji FC player, Abdul Ntilla, observed that anything can happen on the day, as both sides have potential players who can change the match at any moment.

“We should not forget that these two sides have quality players and technical staff, which is enough to believe that the nature of the match itself will be exceptional and different.

“Everywhere in the world, there has never been an easy derby showdown; this is the best game of the season and as usual we should expect a great encounter, and a team with enough preparations will win,” Ntilla said.

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Yanga are currently at the top of the table with 55 points from 21 games while Simba are third on the log courtesy of 46 points in 20 outings, hence they have a game in hand.

Simba Assistant Coach, Selemani Matola, said a win on the day is the only way that can take them back in the title race.