just 48 hours to go before Dar es Salaam Derby roars to life, coaches from Tanzania’s football giants Young Africans SC and Simba SC have declared their squads ready and raring for battle, promising a thrilling spectacle at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
Derby fever has already gripped the Isles with both teams already in Zanzibar to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the encounter.
Heading into the clash, Yanga sit comfortably at the top of the league standings with 28 points from 10 matches, while Simba occupy third place with 23 points from the same number of games.
The five-point gap adds extra spice to an already fierce rivalry. Prior to departing for Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, Simba Head Coach Steve Barker dismissed suggestions that the derby carries any pressure beyond the usual three points at stake.
“Every game is worth three points. Whether you play Azam or YoungAfricans, you go out there to get three points,” he said.
“On Sunday we face Young Africans. I’m looking forward to the derby; it’s a big one. We don’t play for six points in a derby; we play for three, just like any other match. The pressure is the same. But of course, it’s a big, exciting game and we are all looking forward to it.”
Barker confirmed that Simba will complete their final training sessions today and tomorrow as they polish tactics and sharpen match fitness.
On the opposite bench, Young Africans Head Coach Pedro Goncalves described the derby as a long-awaited showdown that has ignited excitement among players and fans alike.
“It’s an exciting match. Everybody has been waiting for this game for a long time. The motivation will be at the highest level not only for us, but for Simba as well, for sure,” he said.
Despite the hype surrounding the encounter, the coach stressed the importance of composure and focus, expressing satisfaction with his team’s form so far this season.
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