Tanzania: Pressure On As Dar Derby Looms

After a thrilling weekend of Premier League action which witnessed some shocking results, the focus has swiftly shifted to the upcoming derby between arch-rivals Simba and Young Africans due at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam this Saturday.

Title favourites Young Africans and pretenders Azam FC both crashed to stunning, 1-0 and 2-1 defeats away to Stand United and Ndanda FC respectively, while early pacesetters Simba enjoyed a massive 4-0 win at home to Majimaji.

It is too early into the new season to make any meaningful prediction, but the outcome of Saturday's fixture would paint a picture on the likely fate of the Premier League title race.

If anything Yanga's shock defeat at Stand United has made the upcoming derby as heated and decisive as ever, with outcome set to speak volume on the two sides credentials.

It will certainly be an interesting battle of wits between Cameroonian Joseph Omog, one time Premier League winner (with Azam) and Dutchman Hans Van der Pluijm, who have won the league title three times.

With Azam apparently lagging behind early in the season, Simba and Yanga are at odds on to go toe to toe in the title race this season and the men in charge of both teams, Pluijm and Omog will take this fixture as an opportunity to gain a three-point advantage - on top of the derby bragging rights.

Simba are currently four points clear at the top of Premier League table and apparently in upbeat mood ahead of the arch-rivals' first clash of the season.

The Reds have scored the most goals in the Premier League so far (albeit after playing a game more over their rivals) but Yanga slightly edge their old foes on best defensive record thus far, having conceded a single goal against Simba's two.

Omog's charges are on unbeaten run, having won five out of six games, while posting one draw. Yanga have bagged in three wins, drawing one and losing one, both away games.

The Jangwani Street outfit have netted eight goals. Talks ahead of the derby are predominantly how the two sides would line-up. Yanga have seemingly settled starting line-up, but Simba coach, Omog still has some few questions to tackle regarding his selection, especially for his biggest game of the season.

The Cameroonian should opt between returning Juuko Murshid and Novat Lufunga to partner with Method Mwanjali, who has started life in the Mainland Premier League outstandingly. He also faces key decisions in the midfield and striking line-up.

The interesting battle promises to be on the flanks. Yanga boast deadly wingers in Simon Msuva, Juma Mahadhi and Deus Kaseke and it will be intriguing to see how Simba's full backs Mohamed Hussein and Besala Bukungu nullify Yanga's attacking exploits.

Keeping key players fit. Ahead of the derby match, both camps have their fingers crossed that none of their key men is sidelined. Both Ibrahim Ajib and Donald Ngoma did not play all 90 minutes at the weekend.

Ajib limped off half way through the first half during Saturday's fixture against Majimaji in a cautious move to keep him fit for the derby, and Ngoma was rested during the second on Sunday as Yanga chased the game against Stand United.

While the signing of Burundian striker Laudit Mavugo grabbed headlines at the start of the campaign, it is Ajib, who has proved to be a reliable goal threat and playmaker in this Simba side.

With sublime skills and an eye for goal, Ajib is a differencemaker and would strike fear into a typically solid Yanga defence. Another big threat should come from Shiza Kichuya.

The wing wizard is unpredictable on the ball, clinical in front of goal and possessing excellent vision and Yanga defence must try and keep him under surveillance throughout. Yanga's main strength has often proved to be their attacking prowess.

Amissi Tambwe, Msuva, Kaseke, Mahadhi and Ngoma are all steadfast goal getters. But Ngoma's pace and strength poses the most danger. Yanga's midfield players have the ability to counteract the impact of Simba's mesmeric passing with Thaban Kamusoko boasting the ability to propel the team forward and create chances.