Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has described the joy of claiming victory in the Kariakoo Derby as dominant while also praising the level shown by his players.
The South African tactician steered the Reds of Msimbazi to a stunning come-from-behind 2-1 win over bitter rivals Young Africans SC at Uhuru Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Having gone down to Peter Shalulile’s opener in the 36th minute, Simba struck back through Neo Maema’s equaliser in the 69th minute before Elie Mpanzu completed the comeback victory in the 72nd minute.
After claiming a first league win over Yanga since 2023, Simba moved three points clear at the top of the Tanzanian Premier League on 21 points with a 100% seven out of seven wins.
Speaking to the media after the big win, Barker was glad to have finally gotten the monkey off their back after dominating proceedings from close to the start to finish.
“Very proud, very pleased and very excited in the way we played,” he said.
“The commitment of the players, the effort was really fantastic, the way we dominated the game from around the 10th minute all the way to the end of the match was for me really good.
“Because we played as well as we did, we dominated the match, we deserve to 100% win the game.
“So, yeah, massive victory. Just happy that we can eventually beat Young Africans in a league game.
“Happy to make our fans happy. Today was for them. Today was to give them joy, give them happiness.
“And we just want to continue to work and make sure we give 100%, and we just want the supporters to continue supporting us the way they do.”