SIMBA Sports Club defender Che Malone Fondoh has expressed both confidence and caution ahead of the highly anticipated NBC Premier League clash against arch-rivals Young Africans Sports Club (Yanga).

The two Tanzanian football giants are set to face off in a crucial match tomorrow at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, with league supremacy and pride on the line.

Malone (pictured), a key figure in Simba's defense, emphasized the need for discipline and focus, urging his teammates to avoid mistakes that could derail their chances of victory. 

Reflecting on their recent 2-2 draw with Coastal Union, the Cameroonian acknowledged that lapses in concentration had previously cost Simba valuable points, a mistake they cannot afford in a match as significant as the Dar Derby.

“We need to increase our focus and avoid repeating the mistakes we made against Coastal Union,” Malone stated. “If we fail to do so, we risk getting a negative result, which could harm our chances in the title race."

Simba conceded two goals in their last outing against Coastal Union, leading to a frustrating draw that left the Msimbazi Street giants ruing missed opportunities. 

With the stakes raised against Young Africans, Malone believes that such defensive errors could prove fatal in a fixture of this magnitude.

The rivalry match comes at a critical juncture for both clubs as they vie for top spots in the league. Simba currently sit second on the table with 13 points from five matches, while Young Africans are in fourth place with 12 points, having played one fewer match. A win for either side could have significant implications for their title aspirations.

Malone is acutely aware of the pressure that comes with playing in such a high-profile derby. He spoke about the personal and professional impact that these intense encounters can have on a player’s career.

“Derby matches like this one can either make you a more recognized player if you fight hard and win, or affect you negatively if you lose. That’s why it’s crucial for us to remain calm, play with intensity, and ensure we fight for a victory,” Malone explained.

The defender sees the upcoming match not just as another fixture but as a final in its own right. He urged his Simba teammates to approach the game with a strong mentality, knowing that composure and mental fortitude will be key in overcoming their fierce rivals.

Malone also acknowledged that the recent draw against Coastal Union served as a reminder of the importance of treating every opponent with respect and staying sharp in every match.

“In the match against Coastal Union, we conceded easy goals, and we need to avoid such mistakes in the future. I believe it won’t happen again because we’re facing Yanga, and the magnitude of this derby is much greater,” he added. 

“Coastal Union are not a bad team, but this draw reminded us to treat every game seriously.”

With the title race heating up, the defender stressed the importance of consistency, especially in high-stakes matches against direct rivals. A victory over Young Africans would not only boost Simba’s confidence but also ensure they maintain their strong position in the league standings.

“The match against Yanga is crucial for us to stay on track in the title race. We need all three points to avoid disrupting our championship calculations,” Malone stated, highlighting the significance of the upcoming game.

As the clock ticks down to kickoff, anticipation is building across Tanzania. The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is expected to be packed with passionate supporters from both sides, as Simba and Young Africans prepare to reignite their long-standing rivalry. 

For Malone and his teammates, the focus is clear: maintain discipline, stay composed, and avoid costly mistakes as they seek to claim bragging rights in this fiercely contested derby.

The outcome of this match could play a decisive role in shaping the rest of the season, with both clubs eager to assert their dominance. 

Simba’s fans will be hoping that Malone and his fellow defenders can deliver a solid performance that keeps their title dreams alive.