SIMBA have officially announced ticket sales for the highly anticipated Dar es Salaam derby against long-time rivals Young Africans Sports Club (Yanga), set to take place on Saturday, October 19, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Simba will host the match in what is expected to be a thrilling showdown between the two Tanzanian football giants.

Ticket prices for the derby offer a range of options for fans. Regular stand tickets are priced at Tsh 5,000, while VIP tickets are available at different rates: VIP A at Tsh 50,000, VIP B at Tsh 30,000, and VIP C at Tsh 20,000. Additionally, tickets for the popular Orange stands are set at Tsh 10,000. 

Simba’s management has urged fans to purchase their tickets early to avoid last-minute delays and to ensure their attendance at this crucial match.

As hosts, Simba have called on their supporters to create an electrifying atmosphere that could influence the outcome of the game. With the home advantage at stake, the team hopes that a passionate fanbase will drive them to success in this pivotal encounter.

Simba are on a mission to reclaim the Premier League title after three seasons without it. Their pursuit of championship glory has been fueled by a rejuvenated squad and a renewed sense of purpose under head coach Fadlu Davids. 

The derby against Young Africans is seen as a must-win match in Simba’s quest to regain their crown as champions of Tanzanian football.

Young Africans, who have dominated Tanzanian football for the past three seasons with consecutive league titles, pose a formidable challenge. Young Africans boast a strong and well-balanced squad, which has made them difficult to defeat, and they are determined to maintain their status as the top team in the country.

Simba’s recent form in derby matches against Young Africans has not been ideal. In their last ten league encounters, Simba have managed just one victory, while Young Africans have won four, and five matches have ended in draws. This record adds further pressure on Simba as they look to change the narrative and maintain momentum in their title race.

Saturday’s derby marks the second time Coach Davids (pictured) will lead Simba against Young Africans this season. In their previous meeting in August during the Community Shield semi-final, Young Africans narrowly edged out Simba with a 1-0 victory. Despite that defeat, Davids believes his team is stronger now and capable of turning the tables in the upcoming match.

Securing three points in this derby is crucial for Simba’s early-season title ambitions, especially after their recent setback - a 2-2 draw against Coastal Union in their last Premier League game. Another stumble could complicate their path to reclaiming the league title. 

Davids has emphasized the importance of the derby, describing it as one of the most critical matches of the season.

"We are going to approach this game as if it is the last match of our lives," Davids said, reflecting the urgency and determination within the team. 

Simba’s players echoed this sentiment during Simba Media Day, expressing their commitment to proving the team’s strength and form in this high-stakes encounter.

Simba’s current standing in the Premier League table reflects their strong start to the season. After five matches, they sit in second place with 13 points, having won four and drawn one. Young Africans, with one game in hand, are fourth with 12 points from four matches. 

Both teams remain undefeated, adding further intensity to what is already one of the most significant fixtures in Tanzanian football.

For Simba, this derby represents more than just bragging rights - it’s about staying firmly in the title hunt. A win over Young Africans would boost their confidence and send a message to their rivals that Simba are a serious contender for this season’s championship.

As the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium prepares to welcome a sea of passionate fans from both sides, anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling and intense battle. With both Simba and Young Africans eager to assert their dominance, all eyes will be on the Dar es Salaam derby, a match that could shape the rest of the season.