MORE details around the 2024 Community Shield have now been confirmed, as Young Africans and Simba are set to battle it in the curtain-raiser for the 2024/25 campaign.

The Tanzania Football Federation, TFF, confirmed that the 2024 Community Shield semi-final games will be played at New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar and Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar. 

The Community Shield will be the first piece of silverware of the new season involving the top four teams in the 2023/24 Tanzania Mainland Premier League campaign. 

While not considered a major trophy, the Community Shield provides a competitive yet friendly encounter, often seen as a barometer for the teams’ upcoming season performance. 

The game typically draws significant attention, symbolizing the close of the pre-season and the start of competitive football in Tanzania. 

The main prize for the winners of the Community Shield is the trophy. There is no cash prize, but it also gives teams a bit of momentum heading into the season. 

The winners of the 2023/24 Federation Cup and Mainland Premier League, Young Africans, will play their arch-rivals Simba on August 8 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with kick-off at 7 pm. 

The two sides met in the Community Shield final last year. Simba overcame Singida Fountain Gate via a penalty shootout while Young Africans beat Azam 2-0 in the other semi-final. 

A penalty shootout victory saw Simba triumph against their arch-rivals after the two sides could not be separated in 90 minutes at Mkwakwani Stadium, Tanga. 

On the same day, the other semi-final game will see last season’s runners-up Azam take on Coastal Union at New Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar, with kick-off at 4 pm. 

The tie will be a repeat of last season’s Federation Cup semi-final game which Azam won 3-0 at CCM Kirumba, Mwanza. 

Coastal Union finished fourth to guarantee themselves a spot in the Community Shield for the first time as well as a CAF Confederation Cup ticket. 

The derby between Simba and Young Africans is expected to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams carry the weight of their previous season’s performances. In their last meetings in the Premier League meeting, Young Africans triumphed 2-1 over Simba.

However, Simba boast the bragging rights of last season’s Community Shield, where they emerged victorious 3-1 on penalties, thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Ally Salim, who saved crucial shots from Khalid Aucho, Zouzoua Pacome, and Kouassi Yao.

This semi-final clash is more than just a game; it’s a battle for pride and supremacy. The rivalry is further intensified by the transfer of key players between the clubs.

Notably, former Simba stars Jean Baleke and Clatous Chama have switched allegiances to Young Africans, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match. 

Simba, on the other hand, have bolstered their squad with 13 new signings, including seven foreign players and six local talents, aiming to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season.

The semi-final victors will advance to the final, scheduled to be held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on August 11. This decisive match will determine the winners of the Community Shield, setting the stage for the Premier League season, which officially kicks off five days later. The league will feature 16 clubs, including newly promoted teams Pamba Jiji and KenGold, promising an exciting season ahead.

Simba’s significant squad overhaul signals their determination to maintain their dominance. The club’s management has been strategic in their acquisitions, aiming to fill gaps and enhance team performance. The introduction of new talents, both domestic and international, is expected to bring fresh energy and tactical diversity to the team.

For Young Africans, the infusion of former Simba stars into their roster could prove pivotal. These players bring with them invaluable experience and a deep understanding of their former club’s strategies, which could give Young Africans a competitive edge. The dynamics of the upcoming match will be fascinating, with both teams keen to make a statement at the outset of the season.

Fans of both clubs are eagerly anticipating this derby, often considered the highlight of Tanzanian football. The rivalry between Simba and Young Africans transcends the pitch, embodying a rich history and cultural significance that resonates with supporters across the country. 

The Community Shield match on August 8 is expected to draw massive crowds, with fervent fans creating an electrifying atmosphere at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.