Ligi Kuu Bara: Yanga SC issue fresh demands to play Simba SC in derby

Photo Credit - Young Africans Sports Club.

With days moving fast towards the rescheduled Mainland Premier League Kariakoo derby, Young Africans (Yanga SC) have now issued fresh demands if met, will allow them to face their rivals Simba SC on June 15.

The Kariakoo derby, which was match number 184, was not played as planned on March 8 after Simba refused to appear on matchday, accusing their sworn-rivals of denying them an opportunity to train at the match venue, a day before the derby.

Despite Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) confirming June 15 as the date for the derby, Yanga have remained adamant they will not honour the fixture. Yanga Media Officer Ali Kamwe has revealed one reason that could change their stance and play against Simba.

"Simba ran away from the derby March 8, they (Simba) literally ran away from playing in the derby, that is where the story needs to start. We find ourselves in this situation of (derby not being played on ,March 8) because Simba ran away on March 8," said Kamwe.

"Now we are discussing what? Simba ran away from the derby, so who was not in their squad for the team to run away? So why did they run away from the derby? So as Yanga we want to know why Simba ran away. And if we get an answer to this question, we will change our stance and face Simba.

"Simba should come out and explain why? What was the reason to skip the derby? So if Simba comes out and says this is the reason why we ran away from the derby, Yanga is a team that understands, we will surely change our stand and face them on June 15, but for now nothing has changed, we will not play in the derby."

Yanga and Simba are chasing for the league title, with the Citizens currently leading the Msimbazi Reds by one point on the table.