Simba coach Pablo Franco has admitted his side’s performance in their 0-0 Kariakoo Derby draw with bitter rivals Young Africans on Saturday ‘was not good enough.’ ‘Wekundu Wa Msimbazi’ could not find a way past their arch-rivals in a Tanzania topflight match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The Spanish coach said he hoped a win would close the gap on runaway log leaders Yanga, who enjoy a 13-point gap at the top with nine games before the end of the season.
Simba would have wanted to, at least, challenge for the title after being eliminated from the Caf Confederation Cup quarterfinals by Orlando Pirates last weekend. However, Franco admitted the draw brought their crosstown nemesis closer to the title but insisted they would not give up until the end of the season.
Simba have won it four consecutive seasons while Yanga last lifted it in 2017. “I am not happy with the result of the draw, we entered the field intending to look for victory because we need to reduce the gap, and we still need to defend our title,” he said.
He added that it was a good game dominated by tactics although his charges failed to convert their chances. Pablo said that there was no time to rest as preparations for the next match against Namungo in three days had to begin.
“We are playing our next away game against Namungo in the next three days, so we are preparing for the trip even though we don’t have enough time to prepare for the match,” said Pablo.
Meanwhile, Yanga administrator Senzo Mbatha says a lead of 13 points at the top of the Tanzania Premier League is no reason to relax and has called on the club to play every game like it’s the last. “I think we stand a better chance to win the title. It is within our reach, but this is football. There is no way to relax but to play every game as if it is the last match. We have to be focused; every game that we are playing is crucial. We cannot see the 13 point gap and start celebrating. We have to be focused and take one game at a time,” Mbatha said.
The former Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars administrator is confident that Yanga can go all the way this time around. “This time around, I have been so optimistic about the derby because before you go to fight, you first look at the ammunition you have to do well without encountering many problems. I’ve never been confident, but I’m sure to do well this time.
