The excitement of the Kariakoo derby continues to grow as the intense clash between Simba SC and Yanga approaches, scheduled for Sunday, May 03 at the Isamuhyo Stadium.
Coaches from both teams today spoke about their preparations ahead of this major NBC Premier League match.
Gonçalves: We are ready with a different plan
The head coach of Yanga, Pedro Gonçalves, said preparations for his team are going well and they are now in the final stages before Sunday’s match.
He explained that the team has had three days of special preparation and is now finalizing key strategies for the important encounter.
"We have had three days of preparation leading up to Sunday’s match. This is a league game, so we are prepared with a different plan," said Gonçalves.
"Today we will complete the final tactical preparations. We are disappointed not to have gotten a good result in the last match, but I believe we are on the right track."
The coach added that they expect a tough match but are confident of a positive result, and he urged fans to turn up in large numbers to support the team.
"We have high hopes of performing well tomorrow. Our fans should come in large numbers to support us. This is an important opportunity to increase the points gap."
Gonçalves also reflected on their previous match, saying that despite not winning, he was satisfied with the players’ performance. However, he expressed disappointment over the absence of midfielder Mudathir Yahya due to suspension, comparing it to a situation involving a Simba player who was not punished ahead of their March 1 meeting.
He emphasized that Yanga does not rely on a single player and that there are already replacements available for that position.
Barker: We need a win to stay in the title race
On the Simba side, coach Steve Barker said tomorrow’s match is very important for their title ambitions this season.
Speaking to journalists, Barker stressed that beating Yanga is essential if Simba want to remain in the championship race.
"If we lose the match against Yanga, I think the title hopes will become more difficult," he said.
"We need to win, especially at home. That result will put us in a good position."
He added that he expects a tough match but believes his squad is ready to fight hard, while urging fans to come in large numbers to support the team.
"We are Simba and we are ready to fight for every point," Barker emphasized.
Simba and Yanga will meet in this crucial league match just five days after their previous encounter in the Muungano Cup final, where Simba won after 120 minutes of play.
This time, both teams enter the match needing all three points. A win for Yanga would strengthen their chances of defending the title, while a win for Simba would keep their hopes alive and reduce the points gap from five to two. However, a loss would widen it to eight points.
