Goncalves says Young Africans ready to conquer Simba in Kariakoo derby

Young Africans head coach Pedro Goncalves has confirmed their morale is very high heading into the first Mainland Premier League Kariakoo derby of the season against their rivals Simba at New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Sunday.

The Citizens being the home side made the decision to move the derby from the traditional venue Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.

𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐎 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐘𝐘𝐘𝐘𝐘𝐘𝐘 #KizalendoZaidi

Are you ready Mwananchi??🔰💪🏽#TimuYaWananchi #DaimaMbeleNyumaMwiko pic.twitter.com/ety1FEWbem

— Young Africans SC (@YoungAfricansSC) February 26, 2026

Speaking ahead of the game, the former Angola national team coach indicated Yanga’s job in the league is to win their matches and remained confident his boys will triumph.

‘I am confident Young Africans will do well’

“We have started preparations since Thursday and we are going to finish those preparations, my players are ready and have the morale to play this big match, if everything goes well, I am confident we will do well tomorrow (Sunday),” Goncalves told Pan-Africa Football.

“This is my first derby against Simba. Our job is to prepare to win every match we play. Whether it’s against Cosmo Politan or Al Ahly, our goal is always to win.

“The same goes for Sunday’s game; we aim to win, although we know that we are going to face a very capable opponent. Simba are one of the best teams in Tanzania.”

Simba, one of the biggest teams in Africa

Goncalves, however, warned his charges to be very cautious as they will be playing against a very tough opponent, and one of the teams in Africa.

“Simba have invested a lot in football and, in my opinion, they have also been strong in international competitions so we are looking forward to playing against one of the biggest teams in Africa,” added Goncalves.

“We have to be careful and have a high level of commitment and show a lot of concentration so that we can get good results.”

Discussing Yanga’s injury situation heading into the derby, he said: “Regarding the player Pacome, it is true that he has an injury. We all witnessed when he suffered the injury during our game against JS Kabylie.

“We are currently continuing to closely monitor his health and after the final training session we will be satisfied if he will be ready and part of the squad for the derby,” he said.

Young Africans have won the last five derbies against Simba. Last season they sealed a double on their way to win the league title. In the first meeting, Yanga won 2-0, before winning the second contest 1-0.