Simba SC Head of Information and Communications Ahmed Ally says the arrival of coach Steve Barker has boosted confidence within the squad, insisting that Simba do not see themselves as an inferior side heading into the Kariakoo Derby against Yanga.
Ahmed said that since arriving at Msimbazi, Barker has never viewed Simba as a team that should be submissive to any opponent, describing the coach as having what he called “an arrogant confidence.”
According to Ahmed, that mentality is part of Barker’s philosophy when it comes to competition. He said the coach displayed the same attitude while managing South African club Stellenbosch FC, where he was willing to compete confidently against Mamelodi Sundowns, one of Africa’s biggest and most successful clubs.
In addition to that confidence, Ahmed said Simba are continuing their preparations in camp with a clear strategy to compete in the match.
The match is expected to be highly competitive given both teams’ records at the start of the season. Simba and Yanga have each won their opening six Mainland Premier League matches, adding further excitement to the meeting between the traditional rivals.
After struggling against Yanga in Mainland Premier League meetings for nearly three seasons, the Reds of Msimbazi are determined this season to reclaim their dominance over their main rivals. More importantly, their target is to win the Mainland Premier League title, which they have missed out on for five consecutive seasons.
