Barker cautious, Ibenge labels Simba ‘best in Tanzania’ ahead of Mzizima derby

Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Azam FC will square it off in a Mainland Premier League fixture dubbed ‘Mzizima derby’ at Azam Complex in Chamazi on Sunday.

The Msimbazi Reds will be going for revenge having lost to the Ice Cream Makers 2-0 in the first-round meeting of the league on December 7, 2025.

Mzizima Derby. #NBCPremierLeague #NguvuMoja pic.twitter.com/r76ygx7pGT

— Simba Sports Club (@SimbaSCTanzania) April 4, 2026

Ahead of the derby, both coaches have given their thoughts, and Pan-African Football starts with what Simba coach Steven Barker said.

Azam have really good team

“We all understand it is very important for both clubs, both clubs have intentions of challenging for the league title, Azam have really a good team, well coached, a good experienced coach,” Barker told Pan-Africa Football.

“Azam have got good individual players, they have already shown this season they are a very difficult team to beat. They are unbeaten in 16 matches, so we are under no illusion that the task will be a challenging one for us.

“But at the same time, we have our own objectives, we have our own desires, to be challenging for the league, and it’s these types of games that are crucial to determine what we want to achieve at the end of the season.”

Asked about the derby, Barker said: “Our preparations have been going on well, you know, we obviously came off a win, and just before that we had a nice break, we are well refreshed because of the break, and we are looking forward to the encounter and everybody is in good spirits.”

Simba defender Shomari Kapombe said: “As players we are ready. We have prepared well. We don’t have any problems, every player is ready to deliver, and we promise our fans maximum points from the game.”

Ibenge says Simba not small team

Azam FC coach Florent Ibenge said: “Simba is not a small team, Simba is one of the best teams here in Tanzania, and according to the game that they play, they play very good football, and it is not the same like when you play against the other teams,” said Ibenge.

 

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“I don’t want to tell the names because somebody may interpret it badly. Simba was in the group stage of the Champions League, we were in the Confederation Cup, so, we are going to play an African game tomorrow, and when you play an African game, you have to increase your level.

“So, we must be very good tomorrow (Sunday) very good, better than Simba in each level to expect to win, and it is not going to be easy.”

A win for Azam will not only see them complete a double over Simba, but will help them leapfrog the same side to second position on the table. Simba are currently placed second with 34 points, while Azam are third with 32 points.