COMMUNITY SHIELD: Yanga, Azam set for high-stake final

DAR ES SALAAM: WITH just hours to go, Young Africans and Azam FC are gearing up for a thrilling Community Shield final at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The clash set to kick off at 7:00 PM will decide who claims the first silverware of the season.

Before the final showdown, attention will turn to the third-place match, where Simba will battle Coastal Union at the same venue, starting at 3:00 PM.

In the lead-up to today’s fixtures, coaches from all four teams took the stage at a press briefing held at the final match’s media centre. Young Africans’ Head Coach Miguel Gamondi spoke about the significance of the high-stakes encounter against Azam FC.

“It’s excellent to play these types of games,” Gamondi remarked. “A strong opponent brings challenges that test and define a team’s mentality and strength.”

He also addressed player rotations, noting that decisions will be made based on the squad’s condition following their energy-intensive semi-final against Simba.

“We expended a lot of energy in the last game, but my players are in good shape. You will see my choices regarding rotations in today’s match,” he added.

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Young Africans’ captain, Dickson Job, rallied support from the fans, emphasising the team’s commitment to victory. “I encourage our supporters to come out in full force. As players, we are committed to showcasing our abilities and striving for victory,” Job said.

Azam FC’s Head Coach Bruno Ferry shared his expectations for the final, acknowledging the challenge posed by Yanga but expressing confidence in his team’s readiness.

“We expect a tough tactical battle, given the quality of our opponents,” Ferry said. “However, our players are prepared and their morale is very high.”

Azam’s captain, Lusajo Mwaikenda, reinforced the team’s preparedness and belief in their coach’s strategies. “We are up against one of the toughest teams in the league, but we are well-prepared and confident in our approach,” Mwaikenda stated.

In the earlier third-place match, Simba SC and Coastal Union will both be looking to end their tournament on a high note.

Simba’s Head Coach Fadlu Davids is focused on fine-tuning his team’s strategy ahead of the new season. “Coastal Union is a strong team and we aim to use this game to fine-tune our strategy,” Davids noted.

Coastal Union’s Head Coach David Ouma is hopeful for a strong performance to close out their campaign. “We have learned from our mistakes and are prepared to deliver a strong performance,” Ouma said.

The stage is set for an exciting day of football as teams vie for final positions and the coveted Community Shield