ALTHOUGH it is an incontestable fact that the fierce rivalry between Simba and Young Africans (Yanga) has existed since time immemorial, there can be no disputing the fact that this concluding season has served up an arguably uncommon epic battle between the two local titans even by their own admittedly high standards.

Tanzanian golfer Madina Iddi poses with her trophy after she claimed her second consecutive Zambia Ladies Golf Open title recently.Indeed, as this unforgettable local football season approaches its climax, the keen football supporters of both local juggernauts have been joyously treated to a compelling neck and neck two-horse title race between the present table-toppers Young Africans and their nemesis Simba.

Incredibly, Young Africans have held only a one point lead over Simba for the lion’s share of this absolutely enthralling and absorbing tussle for local football’s most treasured trophy, which is unarguably the greatly sought-after league crown.

With the excitement over this scintillating end to the fascinating title race reaching fever-pitch levels, the vast assemblage of the supporters of both clubs will be focused on each club’s final game of the league campaign.

With the final match of the season set to take place tomorrow between those two age-old foes Simba and Young Africans, both football sides are well-aware that any costly slip-ups could prove to be utterly catastrophic.

So, as both perpetual title contenders ready themselves for D-Day tomorrow, the hope is that this all-important last game of the season will be a pulsating football clash filled with many unexpected twists and turns.

Moving on, with tennis’ most cherished grand slam, Wimbledon, now up and running, the attention of African tennis fans will be firmly focused on the Tunisian female tennis ace Ons Jabeur who has been sadly struggling to recapture her best form thus far this season.

Indeed, after a positively nightmarish season last year, which was unfortunately blighted by injury, Jabeur has found it worryingly challenging to return to the winner’s circle this year.

Encouragingly though, this week marked the start of Wimbledon, which is played on a grassy surface and perhaps even more importantly, it is the surface that arguably best suits Jabeur’s once unbeatable all-round game.

At this juncture, it should be borne in mind that Jabeur has brilliantly advanced to the Wimbledon final twice but heartbreakingly ended on the losing side on both occasions.

With this year’s Wimbledon Championship now in full swing, one thing is overwhelmingly clear; Jabeur will have to earn every victory over the coming fortnight as victories are not handed to any player on a silver platter at Wimbledon.

Here’s hoping then that the top African star can at last overcome women’s tennis’ premier players in the Wimbledon Championship this year and clinch the trophy which she has long been yearning for.

Let us end this discussion, Dear Reader, by lavishing praise on our very own Madini Iddi, who recently claimed her second consecutive Zambia Ladies Golf Open title to the sheer elation of all local golf devotees.

Hats off then, to Madina, who admirably continues to make a significant impact on the ever-competitive African women’s golf landscape.