Barker labels Simba versus Young Africans ‘massive game’

Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has revealed why his side must stand up to be counted when they face rivals Young Africans in their Mainland Premier League Kariakoo derby on Sunday.

The two Tanzanian giants will be meeting for the second time in three days following their recent Muungano Cup final in Zanzibar. During the final at Amaan Stadium, Simba carried the bragging rights after a 1-0 win.

Kariakoo Derby ya pili ndani ya siku tano. #NBCPremierLeague #NguvuMoja pic.twitter.com/kc4SvBKnJc

— Simba Sports Club (@SimbaSCTanzania) May 2, 2026

Ahead of their second-round fixture of the league, the South Africans coach has explained how Simba can get the better of Young Africans again.

Simba must win to cut Yanga lead

“We have to be honest to ourselves because after tomorrow’s game, it’s either eight points, five points, or two points, so it’s one of those matches that is critical for us,” said Barker ahead of the derby.

“I think we have to lose the game and it becomes eight points behind, I would think it will be difficult for us because I don’t see Young Africans dropping as many points, so we do understand it’s almost a Cup final for us.

“We have to approach the derby in that manner, and we have to go to our home game, and we also believe it’s an opportunity for us to make it difficult for Yanga to put in a performance that can help us close the gap.

“I do believe if we can manage to close the gap to two points, the league becomes very open, and it becomes a race to the finish line. It is a massively important game for us, and we just have to be ready for whatever comes.

“Mentally we have to be ready, physically we have to be prepared, but the most important part is our technical execution which has to be of the highest level. We have shown in the last 90 minutes no team has scored against each other.

“It will be a tight game but the team that handles the big moment will be the best, the team that will take the opportunities will prevail. We are ready to roll out our sleeves, we want to win the game, we will fight to win the game.”

So far, Young Africans are sitting at the top with 47 points from 14 wins, five draw, and zero defeats. Simba are second with 42 points.