YOUNG Africans SC’s Communication and Information Officer, Ali Kamwe, has dismissed suggestions that the highly anticipated ‘Kariakoo Derby’ against Simba SC will determine this season’s Mainland Premier League champion.

The derby, scheduled for today at 7:15 PM at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, remains a crucial fixture, but Kamwe (pictured) insists that the title race extends far beyond this one encounter.

Kamwe emphasized that the league title will ultimately be decided by consistency and points accumulated over the entire season, rather than a single high-profile match.

“This derby will not decide the Tanzania Mainland champions this season,” Kamwe stated. “If we play against Simba, we will still have seven matches remaining. Statistically, Yanga would still need to fight for 21 more points. 

“You can win on Saturday, but if you don’t perform in the remaining games, the title could slip away. So, while it is an important match, it is too early to declare it as the title decider,” he said.

Kamwe urged Young Africans members and supporters to focus on securing three vital points rather than prematurely celebrating a league triumph.

“I tell Yanga fans to prepare to beat Simba to get three points and put us in a better position. But let’s not think that winning this match alone guarantees the championship,” he said. 

“The champions will be determined after 30 rounds when a team has secured enough points that others cannot surpass. You don’t become a champion just by beating your biggest rival, you become a champion by being the best over an entire season.”

He reiterated that while winning the derby carries immense prestige, the players and technical staff are focused on the broader objective of retaining the league title.

Addressing the team’s readiness, Kamwe confirmed that Young Africans have entered camp for intensive preparations ahead of the derby. He acknowledged that the match will be challenging, as Simba will be eager to break Young Africans’ recent dominance in the fixture.

“We have a strong record in the derby.  We have won four consecutive matches against Simba. That’s a fact,” Kamwe said. 

“However, this is exactly what makes the upcoming game even harder. Our opponents will come with extra motivation, not just to win, but to end our winning streak. We understand this, and we are preparing for it.”

He assured Young Africans fans that the team is well-prepared and confident in securing another victory. 

“With the level of preparation we are undertaking and the quality of our squad, we believe we will win this match,” he added.

Kamwe highlighted the significance of the derby, not only within Tanzanian football but also on the continental stage. 

“This is a massive game with great prestige and value,” he said. “Several studies rank this derby among the top five in Africa. It is more than just a match, it carries history, pride, and fierce competition.”

As Young Africans continue their preparations, Kamwe called on fans to turn up in large numbers at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to support the team.

“Our players are in the camp, and we understand the magnitude of this clash,” he noted. “We need the support of our members and fans to push the team forward.”

With the league still wide open, the outcome of the derby will undoubtedly have an impact on the title race, but as Kamwe stressed, the battle for the championship will be decided over the remaining matches of the season.