Yanga, Simba ready for Union Cup final

ZANZIBAR: YOUNG Africans and Simba meet today in the Union Cup final at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, with both coaches describing the fixture as a tough test.

After the today’s final, they will meet again in the league fixture on Sunday. The coaches made the remarks during a prematch briefing, stressing the difference between the two fixtures. The final is a decisive contest in which a winner must be determined, while Sunday’s league match allows for different outcomes. Both coaches said their teams are ready for the final and focused on the immediate task.

The last time the two sides met was at the same venue, but it was a league match that saw a goalless draw. Young Africans Head Coach Pedro Gonçalves said the team had prepared for the opportunity to reach the final and is focused on finishing the job.

He said, “We are meeting Simba in the Union Cup. We waited for the moment to be in the final, and we want to win the final. We are ready. This is the final, we will keep our focus and give our best to get the trophy.” Gonçalves also referred to his team’s recent schedule in Zanzibar, including their participation in the Mapinduzi Cup earlier in the year, which they won the title against Azam in the final.

He said the team understand the demands of the current tournament, including the short turnaround between matches and the fact that they will meet Simba again in the league shortly after the final. He added that the focus remains on the final and executing the game plan.

Simba Assistant Coach Seleman Matola said reaching the final reflects the work done in preparation, but stressed that the match will be decided by performance on the day.

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He said: “We have reached the final, we all know the final is no easy test, it’s a tough test. We have had enough preparation, and we are ready.” Matola said his team will aim to maintain balance across defence, midfield and attack, and focus on their own approach.

He added that finals require a different mentality compared to league matches, noting that control and discipline over the full match will be important.

“This match is different from the one we played in March here in Zanzibar. This is a final, and finals require a different approach. It will be a fight to the last moment to get a winner.” He also referenced the previous meeting between the two sides at the same venue on March 1, which ended 0-0, saying this match carries a different context as a final where a winner must be decided.

The fixture comes ahead of another meeting between the two clubs in the league, but both coaches said their attention is fully on the Union Cup final.