Yanga, Simba set for epic clash in Community Shield

Dar es Salaam. Football fans will be divided today at two different venues for the Community Shield semi-finals of the Tanzania Mainland Premier League, but all eyes and ears will be directed at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium where arch-rivals, Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba, will clash.

Besides the match, which will kick off at 7 pm, Azam FC will face Coastal Union in the first semi-final of the tournament starting at 4:15pm at New Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar.

Both matches are expected to be thrilling and exciting due to the preparations of all four teams, which finished in the top four last season.

Yanga claimed their 30th league title in the history of the Tanzania Mainland Premier League and followed by Azam FC.

Simba finished third, while Coastal Union finished fourth. All the teams will represent Tanzania in the CAF competitions, with Yanga and Azam FC competing in the CAF Champions League and Simba and Coastal Union in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The four teams are targeting to qualify for the finals and win the first silverware for the new league season. Last year, Simba won the title following their 3-1 victory on penalties at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga.

The two matches are seen as revenge games, with Yanga seeking payback against Simba for last season's Community Shield defeat, while Simba remember the two defeats they suffered last season in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League with scores of 5-1 and 2-1.

The centre of attraction for the encounter will be new players signed ahead of the new season.

For Yanga, the new players are Abubakar Khomein, Prince Dube, Aziz Andabwile, Clatous Chama, Chadrack Boka, Jean Baleke, and Duke Abuya.

Simba’s new faces are Augustine Okejepha, Debora Mavambo, Chamou Karabou, Valentine Nouma, Valentino Mashaka, Mousa Camara, Kelvin Kijiri, Charles Ahoua, Yusuph Kagoma, Awesu Awesu, Steven Mukwala, Joshua Mutale and Omary Omary.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Yanga head coach Miguel Gamondi, said they are expecting a tough encounter due to the fact that Simba have recruited new players and he had no time to study the team.

Gamondi said that he has seen Simba playing one match with two different squads, but as a coach, he is not under pressure due to the high quality of his players.

“Football is normally played in the open and there are no secrets, as everything will be witnessed on the pitch.

“It will be a knockout match and we must not make mistakes; we need to be careful in every department to achieve good results. I believe our fans will come out in large numbers to motivate us,” said Gamondi.

He said that he respects Simba and takes the encounter with all seriousness as the match is very special.  “Simba have new players who would like to prove their qualities against their bitter rivals. We are aware of that and are very strong both mentally and physically,” he said.

For his part, Yanga’s new goalkeeper, Abubakar Khomein, said he and teammates are ready for the match. “We have prepared very well, and we are ready.

“The players are motivated, and we assure everyone that we are going to fight. I believe we will perform well tomorrow (today),” said Khomein.

Simba head coach, Fadlu Davids said they are determined to secure a win in the match. This will be his first test since he joined the team, replacing Algerian tactician Abdelhak Benchikha.

“We have prepared for the match and we are treating it like any other we have played so far. We know that Yanga have been together for three years, and their coach has been with them for a year in their project, while we have had only four weeks. This match will show us where we stand,” said Fadlu, who is from South Africa.

For his part, Simba captain Mohamed “Tshabalala” Hussein said they are ready for the match and are not intimidated by Yanga.

“We are in top form and ready to face Yanga in the encounter. We remember the past results, and that has increased our team spirit as we want to take revenge, qualify for the final, and win the title,” said Hussein.