Yanga, Simba back in crucial ties

Dar es Salaam. The Mainland Vodacom Premier League rivalry flares up again today as giants Dar es Salaam Young Africans and Simba get back into action at different venues.

The race for the title has been spiced up after Yanga lost to Coastal Union with Simba winning to slightly reduce the gap on the title favourites.

Pressure has mounted on Yanga following their shock 2-0 loss to Coastal Union last weekend.

That was the first defeat for the reigning champions in 16 matches they played since the league kicked off.

Wounded Yanga seem determined to do all they can to beat Prisons at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya.

The club’s Dutch coach, Hans Pluijm, is understandably disappointed after the team’s unbeaten record ended in spectacular fashion at Mkwakwani Stadium on Saturday and has vowed to fight back and regain glory today despite playing away from home.

Yanga’s team manager, Hafidh Ally, has said that they have what it takes to win the battle.

“We have arrived in Mbeya safely and are confident of scooping maximum points ,” he said.

Reports said that Rwandan midfielder Haruna Niyonzima may be in the starting lineup today after missing some crucial previous assignments.

Niyonzima, who is also the Rwandan national team (Amavubi) skipper, was sidelined for alleged for misconduct, but has since been reinstated.

Yanga will need to secure all three points points to maintain their position at the top before other title challengers, Azam FC, return from their invitational tour of Zambia to play their two postponed league matches.

Elsewhere, after missing out on the title for three consecutive seasons, Simba will be hoping to extend their winning run when they take on Mgambo JKT at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Under Ugandan Jackson Mayanja, Simba have had an impressive league run to stay in third place. They thrashed African Sports 4-0 last weekend.

“We need to maintain our recent winning tempo to be regarded as serious title contenders,” said Mayanja.

Simba have bagged 36 points from 16 matches, putting both Yanga and Azam within striking range.