Africa-Press – Tanzania. WITH only a day remaining before the Mainland League giants Simba and Young Africans clash at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, tension has gripped both camps.
Football fans in the country are longing to witness the big clash that has always been colored with intense from both sides’ fans.
Due to its intensity and status, the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Lazaro Mambosasa has assured football fans of a peaceful derby at the venue.
Through a press statement, he noted that in collaboration with other security forces they will deploy enough troops in areas surrounding the stadium to ensure that the Dar Derby is safely played without any one breaching the laws.
Commander Mambosasa further urged parents and guardians who wish to take their children to the stadium to closely monitor them so as to avoid any unnecessary problems. If not necessary they can leave them at home.
He as well appealed football fans to early arrive at the stadium; it avoids congestion when entering the stadium. Therefore they will open the gate early to all fans entering the stadium.
Commander Mambosasa reminded fans that they have the responsibility to maintain peace and tranquility when they are at the stadium, appealing to them to avoid being too emotional and use of animosity between them.
Avoid entering with bottles of water in the stadium, weapons or parking vehicles within the stadium without a special permission and they should sit where tickets allocate them to sit.
This Saturday the two meets for the third time this season, after having a 1-1 draw in the first round of the Tanzania Premier League (VPL), before Yanga won the Mapinduzi Cup final on penalties last January to lift their first trophy of the season.
Simba sit on top of Premier League with 61 points after 25 games, while their rivals Yanga – who led the table for so long – they dropped to second place with 57 points from 27 games.
The derby is crucial for Young Africans to close the gap with leaders Simba in the title race, while a win for Simba will extend their lead as they are eyeing a fourth successive league title.
Simba Simba coach, Didier Gomes said a victory against Yanga is very important for his players, to boost their confidence ahead of the Total CAF Champions League quarter final trip to South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs a week later.
“I know the game will be tough because Yanga is not only a good team, but a tough opponent. But we have trained well and hopefully we will earn maximum points to extend our lead,” he said.
Simba SC forward Bernard Morrison insists that Kariakoo Derby is one of the best games to play, so they will work hard to earn victory for their passionate fans.
Morrison, a former Yanga SC player, said they are preparing well as they take the fixture as a must win to clear their way for another VPL title.
“We cannot predict the outcome, but time will tell who wins. The derby is always tough and very competitive. We will do our best to win this derby, it is very important for us,” said Morrison.
Meanwhile, Yanga SC forward Saido Ntibazonkiza urges that they will take the game more serious as they understand Simba is a tough opponent, but they have done their best to prepare for victory.
