Simba SC’s Davids credits Yanga SC’s ‘big mentality’ for Kariakoo derby victory

Photo Credit- Simba SC Tanzania.

Simba SC head coach Fadlu Davids accepted defeat following their 2-0 Mainland Premier League Kariakoo setback against rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Wednesday.

The Msimbazi Reds went into the eagerly-awaited final fixture of the season seeking a win to dethrone reigning champions Yanga. At the end of the first half, the game remained evenly poised at 0-0.

However, Yanga's improved display in the second half saw them strike twice. The opener arrived in the 67th minute when Ivorian forward Pacôme Zouzoua hit the back of the net before Clement Mzize made it 2-0, his first derby goal since joining Yanga.

“First of all, well done to Young Africans (Yanga), I think they had players with a big-match temperament. That was the difference today, the very powerful influence that Yanga has, you know outside, but also on the field, their players have shown today the mentality to manage a big game,” Davids told Pan-Africa Football.

“What we experienced, we have to zoom out and look at the season. Maybe we overachieved, you know with the type of squad we have. You know, a lot of things went wrong off the field this season for us. It is very disappointing but we have to sit down with management and see if they have the ambition to move forward.

“We have to discuss whether we are going to strengthen the squad, because you can see the squad we have, we have a good foundation but we definitely need more power, more mentality, bigger match quality type of players, to be able to get the best level and above. We really have to sit down with management and see what the future is.

“I have to be honest and say we over achieved this season. With a new team, with a young team, getting to this stage, to challenge Yanga all the way. But like I said before, this is the foundation block. This season, the players were signed by the club before I came. I made three or two signings, so now we have to sit down and see what is possible, and what is not possible.”

The win saw Yanga retain the league title as they finished top of the 16-team league table with 82 points, while Simba finished runners-up with 78 points.