IN a major boost for Simba SC, club physician Dr. Edwin Kagabo has confirmed that all previously injured players are now fully fit and available for selection ahead of their highly anticipated Mainland Premier League derby against rivals Young Africans (Yanga) tomorrow at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Key players Moussa Camara, Valentine Nouma, Che Malone Fondoh, and Mzamiru Yassin have completed their respective recoveries and returned to full training. 

Goalkeeper Camara and midfielder Nouma had been sidelined due to a chest contusion and knee injury, respectively, both sustained during the club’s 3-1 Federation Cup semi-final defeat to Singida Black Stars.

Defender Malone, who had been on limited minutes due to fitness concerns, is now cleared to play full matches. Midfielder Yassin has also rejoined full training, bolstering Simba's squad depth ahead of the season-defining derby.

Head coach Fadlu Davids endured a tough stretch in the league campaign, often relying on a core group of players due to injuries and fixture congestion, with matches played within tight 72-hour intervals. Now, with a fully fit squad, Simba are in a far stronger position.

“All players are fit and training ahead of this prestigious derby match,” said Dr Kagabo. “Following our Federation Cup semi-final against Singida Black Stars, we immediately resumed training. It was in that match that Camara and Nouma sustained their injuries, but they are now fully recovered.”

He added: “Che Malone is no longer on restricted minutes, and Yassin is also fully fit. With enough recovery time before the derby, we believe the players are fresh and ready for the challenge.”

Despite initial uncertainty surrounding Young Africans participation due to a dispute with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Simba have reiterated their commitment to honoring the fixture as scheduled. 

Young Africans had previously threatened to boycott the match - originally set for March 8 - unless four of their demands were addressed by the TFF and the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB).

Coach Davids expressed confidence that the match will go ahead: “We are preparing as usual, focusing on the details for the next game. I believe Yanga will show up, and we’re ready for what promises to be a great match.”

However, Simba have issued a firm stance regarding any further rescheduling of the derby. The club has insisted that if the match is not played on Sunday as planned at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, they will not agree to another rescheduling this season.

This season, Young Africans have already defeated Simba twice - both with 1-0 scorelines - in the Community Shield semi-finals and the Mainland Premier League first-round clash.

The title race remains razor-thin. Young Africans currently lead the table with 73 points from 27 matches (24 wins, one draw and two losses), boasting an impressive goal difference of +61, having scored 71 goals and conceded just 10.

Simba sit second with 72 points from the same number of games, recording 23 wins, three draws, and only one loss, along with a goal difference of +52 (63 goals scored, 11 conceded). 

The upcoming derby could prove decisive in the race for the Premier League title.