When one mentions Arusha as their destination, the foregone conclusion is that they are embarking on the famous northern safari circuit stop in the ‘Geneva of Africa’ to prepare for a journey into the African bush.
Understandably so, Tanzania’s third-biggest city lies beneath the twin peaks of Mount Meru and the famous Mount Kilimanjaro, surrounded by several national parks.
Depending on what hotel you live in and the room allocated to you, the dramatic crater of Mount Meru, strewn with clouds, constantly calls for your attention as it stands tall over the town like a majestic sentinel.
Rightly so, Arusha is the ideal location near the major national parks, and its highland setting makes it a peaceful idyll of relaxation before the start of an exciting journey into the bush.
However, on Saturday the 2nd of July, the city commonly known for its pleasant climate and lush green environment turns into a battlefield. Two football teams eager to make history in their own right descend upon the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium.
For 90 minutes, volcanic Mount Meru will be out of mind as the city comes to a standstill with Coastal Union locking horns with rejuvenated Yanga in the Azam Federation Cup final.
Forget that Coastal, based in Tanga – a port city in northeast Tanzania – have not won a trophy in three decades because the stakes are just too high.
In fact, they have more cause than would be customary to revel in a cup triumph over recently-crowned league champions Young Africans. Lifting the coveted trophy translates to securing a place in the Caf Confederation Cup, granting them a guaranteed dance with the big boys in continental football. That would be widely categorised as a game-changer for Wagosi wa Kaya.
With that comes massive exposure in Africa and a financial boost, with the prize money pegged at TZS50 million [R350 000].
The mistake, however, would be assuming the Tanga side is interested in parading balance sheets. Saturday’s meeting with Timu ya Wananchi provides the opportunity to win Tanzania’s equivalent of the FA Cup for the third time in a club history hurtling towards 75 years.
It is a Goliath vs David typ’a scenario, more so that it will be the first time they lift silverware in 34 years, to be precise.
That memorable year – 1988 – Costal, founded in 1948, won a double. They were crowned Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions as they celebrated their 40th anniversary, adding the Nyerere Cup to their now dusty cabinet. The only other time they made it to the podium was eight years prior, and it was the same Nyerere Cup.
Interestingly, the knockout cup they have previously won twice is the one renamed Azam Cup. It is Tanzania’s FA Cup, where teams are selected randomly in a ‘draw’.
For Yanga, victory would be sweet after five years of toiling, watching their bitter rivals Simba dancing on the podium unabated.
Having already won the Charity Shield and the Premier League title without defeat, the frosting on the cake would be completing the treble.
“It’s very important for us, last season we were second on the log, we also went to the FA Cup final and lost. This time around, this game is crucial for us. It’s the last game of the season; we’re wrapping up.
“Winning it would make it the best season for Yanga after winning the Charity Shield and the League without any defeat. The fans are also looking forward to winning this trophy,” Eng. Hersi Ally Said, chairman of Yanga’s Signing Committee, told FARPost.
Even more important – on a personal level, that is – Eng. Hersi is set to take over as club president after next Sunday’s election. He is unopposed for the position, and starting his presidential journey with a treble in the bag certainly sounds like the ideal scenario as the club continues to forge forward.
On the other hand, Coastal head coach Juma Mgunda has vowed they will not let their opponents beat them three times in the same season after losing twice to the Dar es Salaam giants.
“On a good day, we can beat any team in the league. We need to believe in ourselves. Take it from me; we are going to notch up a win of the season at the expense of Yanga,” Mgunda said.
The 28-time league winners will be looking to Congolese forward Fiston Mayele for goals in their quest for the treble. Kick off is 3pm [EAT].
