Photo Credit - Young Africans Sports Club.
Young Africans (Yanga SC) head coach Miloud Hamdi has exuded his confidence ahead of facing rivals Simba SC in a Mainland Premier League derby at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday.
The two Tanzanian giants will come face to face at a time they are both chasing for the league title, with Yanga ahead of Simba on four points though the Msimbazi Reds have played one fixture less.
During the first round meeting, Yanga beat Simba 1-0 courtesy of a late own goal, and in the opening fixture of the season – Community Shield final – Yanga edged out their bitter rivals 2-1. Last season, Yanga sealed a double over Simba, winning the first round 5-1 before beating them 2-1 in the reverse fixture.
In the previous campaign, after the two sides settled for a 1-1 draw in the first round meeting, Simba recovered to win the second round 2-1. In the last seven league matches, Simba have only managed to beat Yanga once, while Yanga have registered three wins, with the other three ending in draws.
“All the players are fit and ready for the derby, the only player am worried about is Aziz Ki, who got back problems. I can’t tell if he will be there or not, it's still 50/50 I think I'll have the right answer until tomorrow (Saturday) before the game,” Hamdi told Pan-Africa Football.
“This isn't my first derby, I’ve ever played in a derby with almost 120,000 fans. I can’t be stressed or be afraid because of playing against Simba. Yanga is a big team, we don’t fear Simba, we are not afraid of facing Simba, we are ready. I’m just waiting for a good and interesting game. Fans should come and have fun and not be pressured,”
Hamdi continued: “It’s my hope that we’ll do better. We’ve done extensive preparations to withstand the pressure of the derby. We are not worried about our preparation, what remains is to go and work on what we have prepared in the gym. We respect our opponents a lot, but the truth must be set clear that we are the best team.
“Looking forward to see a very tactical game, both teams are strong, both teams are determined to win the coming game, I think the game will be very clear as every team believes in themselves. We hope to see a sport where everyone will fight in every way. Let me just say we are ready and we are strong for the game.”
Yanga are currently sitting at the summit with 58 points from 22 matches while Simba are lying second on 54 points from 21 matches. A win for Simba, will help them to cut Yanga’s lead at the top to one point.
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