Simba, Yanga out to maintain perfect start

DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA and Young Africans face separate tests today as the Mainland Premier League giants seek to maintain their perfect starts and strengthen their grip on the early title race.

Both sides have won all four of their opening matches and sit level on points at the top of the table, with Young Africans currently holding the advantage on goal difference.

Today, however, the rivals must negotiate different challenges at different venues as they look to preserve their 100 per cent records.

Simba welcome Geita Gold to Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam, with coach Steve Barker admitting that his preparations have been complicated by a growing injury list and suspensions. Barker said several players are unavailable, particularly in the fullback positions, with David Kameta the latest addition to the injury list.

“Obviously, a couple of challenges with a recent spike in injuries, especially in our full-back areas. The latest being Duchu, and obviously, some suspensions that we still have on the players,” Barker said.

Despite the setbacks, the coach said Simba have prepared well and benefited from an extra day of recovery after their previous match. Barker also warned his players against underestimating Geita Gold, describing them as a well-coached and organised side with quality individual players and the ability to score goals.

“They’ve had a good start to the season, a solid team, well-coached, some good individual players. They’ve shown that they have the ability to score goals. So, it’ll be a challenging match for us,” he said.

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Playing at home, Barker expects Simba to take control of the contest and impose their style from the opening whistle.

“It is a home match, so it’s important that we take the initiative, try and impose ourselves on the match and just continue to keep putting in performances that allow us to win football matches,” he said.

Across the country, Yanga face their own examination when they travel to Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium in Arusha to meet Fountain Gate. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi expects a difficult encounter, particularly because the pressure to win can make matches against supposedly lesser opposition even harder.

“It’s a tough match; a match that everyone expects you to win is always tough,” Manqoba said.

The Yanga coach is also wary of Fountain Gate’s experienced coach, who he noted is a former Yanga figure and understands the club’s culture and mentality. But Manqoba insists Yanga will not be distracted by reputation or history, saying their opponents’ ability to transition quickly from defence to attack makes them a dangerous side.

“We did the analysis on their squad and understand his playing style, including each player and acknowledge they have a better transition from defence to attack,” he said.

Manqoba said Yanga will stick to their plan by pressing high and attempting to force Fountain Gate into mistakes.

“We will stick to our plan; we will press them. We will keep our opponent under enough pressure to make mistakes and earn the advantage,” he said. With both giants unbeaten and perfect after four league matches, today’s assignments carry added significance.