Yanga-Simba rivalry explained after exit

Simba were the first to be knocked out in quarterfinals before Yanga’s road hit the end at the semifinal stage.

Yanga were happy with Simba’s exit and a day later, angry Simba fans openly preferred a Kenyan club’s victory to a Tanzanian club, which could have been Yanga.

A fan criticized Yanga to P Live predicting championship for Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia.

“This is just a result of the game but I think we played well. As a Simba fan am not happy but I concede defeat because that’s the result.

“Nakuru (AllStars) is not a bad team they have played well too but in football you cannot despise any team; we have seen this happen even in European matches.

“In my opinion I think a Kenyan team will win this tournament; Yanga have a poor squad. I don’t support them (Kenyan teams) but going by how I saw AFC Leopards, Nakuru AllStars and Gor Mahia playing,  Yanga cannot manage a slot past semifinal; even if they make it they will be beaten in the finals.  Gor Mahia have high chances of lifting the trophy. They are a stronger side.”

The rivalry between the two giants (Simba and Yanga) can be felt from everywhere and at any time as explained by Richard, a Simba fan and a resident of Mwananyamala village in Kinondoni. He told P Live that once you’re a Simba fan, you stick to the fact and defend your team against Yanga at all times.

He also admitted that fans go to an extra mile of placing bets with their wives for the matches. For instance, in February, a contract between two fans on wife-betting, surfaced online ahead of a match between the two teams.

“Yes, we (Simba) have even gone to an extent of exchanging wives in the past. Simba are the superstars of this country. We have gone too far. We have won titles in Cecafa Cup and rocked Africa at large.

“Yanga have not gone anywhere. Yanga are only ahead of Simba in league titles because of favouritism. For example, victories from penalties cannot make a team greater.”

On record, Yanga have won the Tanzanian Premier League title 27 times, 10 more than those of Simba.