Young Africans head coach Manqoba Mngqithi is braced for a stern test when his charges take on arch-rivals Simba SC in the Kariakoo Derby this evening.
The two giants renew their rivalry in the traditional Tanzania Community Shield after both teams finished the 2025/26 campaign with silverware.
Yanga were crowned NBC Tanzanian Premier League champions while the Reds of Msimbazi walked away with the Muungano Cup and CRDB Bank Federation trophies under the tutelage of South African tactician Steve Barker in his debut season.
Speaking to the Yanga media ahead of the clash, Mngqithi expressed excitement at his first taste of Tanzanian football as well as how both teams will do battle.
“This is my first time participating in this Derby, so I am very excited to see what will happen,” he said.
“Our preparations have gone well, although we didn’t have much time to get ready because both teams had weekend matches. We also didn’t have enough preparation time during the pre-season. However, I believe the situation is similar for Simba.
“So, it will be interesting to see how both teams will play. I have great confidence in my team. We have a squad capable of playing good and attractive football.
“We have a squad that can give us the extra strength and ability we need to play well and stay at a good level throughout the entire game.
“Beyond wanting to win the match, I’m a coach who really loves good football. I want to play a kind of football that gives people a reason to stop what they’re doing, leave their homes, and come to the stadium to watch their team play.”
The clash gets underway at 19:30.
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