IT will be crystal clear who draws the first blood when traditional rivals, Young Africans and Simba meet today at the Uhuru Stadium in the much heralded Dar es Salaam Derby.
The Dar es Salaam football giants meet in a match that won’t only decide who deserve the helm, but as well tells in bold language who possess the best marksmen and the best defensive plans as well.
Though the presence of the Zimbabwean midfield maestro, Thabani Kamusoko is still doubtful, the hosts Yanga are still hopeful of services of the deadly strikers; Amis Tambwe and the Zimbabwean hitman, Donald Ngoma.
But, while TambweNgoma part nership is seen as a good assist to the team’s onform striker, Ibrahim Ajib, almost similar hopes will be seen in Simba who have also brought back to service their front-line fighters; John Bocco and Mohamed Ibrahim who missed some of the recently held matches.
The heralded return of the strikers, all reputed as good hunters of goals, come at the time when fever, tension and anxiety have gripped fans of the Tanzania football giants ahead for a highly decisive game.
Holders Yanga reported this week the arrival of Tambwe and Ngoma, and confirmed both rejoined their team mates at the camp pitched in Morogoro alongside the midfield maestro, Thabani Kamusoko.
The return to fitness of Yanga’s key players likely to bolster the Jangwani Street team, especially the striking force, which has not been impressive since the start of the season.
Tambwe and Ngoma have been the team’s key marksmen; hence, their absence deeply affected the team’s performance as the team has notched 9 goals as opposed to 19 goals netted by their rivals.
Tambwe, who is yet to feature for his club since the start of the new season, picked injury during his team’s preparations for the league curtain raiser match, the Community Shield against Simba.
His comeback will be a major boost to Yanga who have never beaten their rivals Simba since the arrival of the Zambian tactician, George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina. Tambwe and Ngoma partnership will play a vital role in sharpening the forward line, which, for the past six league rounds was manned by Ibrahim Ajib.
Apart from the arrivals of the players, the team’s secretary Boniface Mkwasa admitted there has been high tension and pressure on the both sides whenever the two sides meet as there is more than normal game techniques in the derby.
Mkwasa, however, urged their supporters to purchase tickets early as there are only about 11,000 chances out of 23, 000 set for them. Yanga rivals Simba have also been given 11,000 slots while sale of tickets has already begun.
In retrospect, Yanga rivals Simba, who were in Zanzibar preparing for the derby, have reported the comeback of their key players, the team’s hitman, Bocco and striker Mohamed Ibrahim who missed the recent games.
Simba will only miss the services of the central defender, Sa- lim Mbonde, who sustained injury during their game against Mtibwa Sugar.
But the familiar figures in the injury list are fullback Shomari Kapombe and goalkeeper Said Mohamed who have yet to feature for their club since the new season kicked off.
Both Simba and Yanga are reported to have returned to the City yesterday at different time from Zanzibar and Morogoro ready for the big match to be officiated by FIFA badge referee, Elly Sasii.
Meanwhile the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB), Chairman, Clement Sanga has appointed the League Supervision Committee.
Those appointed in the committee to be under his tutelage are Shani Mligo (Vice- Chairman), Boniface Wambu- r a (Secretary) while members are Issa Batenga, Leslie Liunda and Saleh Njaa.
Others include Ellyson Maeja, George Malawa, Isaac Chanji, Baruan Muhuza, Mbakileki Mutahaba and Ally Mayay.
The committee i s mandated to supervise the topflight league , the Vodacom Premier League (VPL), First Division League (FDL) and Second Division League (SDL) respectively.
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