Dar es Salaam. The Kariakoo Derby, the match between Yanga and Simba, is a highly anticipated event not only for football fans but also for entrepreneurs and businesspeople from various regions.
As the match day approaches this Saturday, football will pause as a massive economic activity, offering numerous opportunities across different sectors, from the sale of merchandise to various event-related services.
This match is not just about football rivalry, it is also a platform for businesses to showcase their creativity and generate profits.
Below, is the exploration of the business opportunities that arise from the Kariakoo Derby and how they contribute to the sports economy.
Fan merchandise business
One of the most lucrative business opportunities during the Kariakoo Derby is the sale of team merchandise such as jerseys, caps, flags, and other fan accessories.
These items are highly valued by fans who love to wear and carry their teams’ symbols to show loyalty and support.
This business thrives during major matches like the Kariakoo Derby, where fans gather in large numbers and seek fan gear.
Entrepreneurs can set up stalls near stadiums, in crowded areas, or in major cities like Dar es Salaam.
Selling team related products presents a great business opportunity with high-profit potential.
Additionally, traders can advertise their merchandise on social media to reach a broader audience of fans who prefer to purchase their fan gear online.
Food and beverage services
During the Kariakoo Derby, the large crowds gathering in stadiums or fan zones create a high demand for food and beverages.
Business owners can sell street foods such as fried potatoes, maandazi, fish, and cold and hot drinks like tea, coffee, and fruit juices.
These products are essential for fans who spend long hours at the stadium or watching from fan zones.
Entrepreneurs can set up food stalls near sports venues or popular city areas, giving them the advantage of selling their products to a wide range of customers.
As fans turn out in large numbers for the Kariakoo Derby, food and beverage vendors can expect a significant increase in sales.
It is crucial for these vendors to maintain high-quality standards and provide excellent customer service to build trust and encourage repeat business for future football events.
Transport services
Transport is another major sector that benefits from the Kariakoo Derby.
Large numbers of fans travel to the stadium using public transport, taxis, motorbikes (bodabodas), and buses.
This creates an opportunity for entrepreneurs to provide transport services to fans heading to the match or associated events.
Business owners can introduce special taxi services, bodabodas, or modern shuttle buses with dedicated routes to stadiums or fan zones.
These services are in high demand, ensuring a steady flow of customers who want convenient transportation to and from the match.
Security and safety services
With the massive crowds attending the Kariakoo Derby, security and safety services become essential. Entrepreneurs can establish businesses related to security services, such as private security personnel, CCTV camera installations, and personal protection services.
Fans, players, and event organizers need assurance that safety measures are well in place. Business owners in this sector should focus on providing high-quality services to ensure the safety and security of attendees. Security-related businesses can be highly profitable due to the high demand for such services during large-scale events like the Kariakoo Derby.
Hotels and Accommodation
The Kariakoo Derby provides an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs in the hospitality and accommodation industry, as many fans from different regions require lodging services. Hotels an…
[6:31 PM, 3/7/2025] Chief Malanga: Yanga’s Firepower vs Simba’s Tactical Mastery
Dar es Salaam. The entire football community is eagerly anticipating one of East Africa’s biggest football spectacles the Kariakoo Derby between Yanga and Simba, set to take place this Saturday, March 8, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
This will be the final league meeting between the two Tanzanian giants this season. In the first-leg encounter, Yanga secured a narrow 1-0 victory. However, this match carries additional weight, especially for Simba’s head coach, Fadlu Davids, who will be facing Yanga for the third time since taking charge.
His previous encounters have ended in frustration losing 1-0 in the Community Shield semifinal and suffering another 1-0 defeat in the league.
For Yanga, this will be the first Kariakoo Derby under their new coach, Miloud Hamdi. Although it is his debut in this high-stakes fixture, he benefits from a squad well-versed in handling the pressure of such clashes.
Same System, Different Execution
Both Fadlu Davids and Miloud Hamdi employ the same tactical setup the 4-2-3-1 formation which has become a modern football staple due to its balance between defense, midfield creativity, and attacking potency.
However, despite using the same formation, their tactical approaches differ significantly. The system allows both teams to control possession, transition quickly between attack and defense, and maximize the strengths of their key players.
Fadlu relies heavily on his full-backs and wingers to create attacking opportunities, while Miloud’s approach emphasizes midfield dominance, quick ball progression, and high-pressing play.
Yanga’s Midfield Strength
One of Yanga’s biggest weapons heading into this clash is their dominant midfield, which plays a crucial role in both attack and defense. If Simba wants to avoid another defeat, they must find a way to neutralize Yanga’s midfield maestros.
With players like Pacôme Zouzoua, Maxi Nzengeli, Stephane Aziz Ki, Clatous Chama, Mudathir Yahya, Khalid Aucho, and Duke Abuya, Miloud has the luxury of rotating his midfielders to suit different tactical approaches.
Ahead of the match, Hamdi expressed his confidence in his midfield:
“We have players who understand the rhythm of these big games. We must control the ball and dictate the tempo. If we do that, we will put ourselves in a strong position to win.”
Simba, on the other hand, lacks the same depth in midfield creativity, making their job much harder.
Simba’s Strength: Full-Backs and Direct Play
Unlike Yanga, Simba’s attacking build-up heavily relies on their full-backs Shomari Kapombe on the right and captain Mohammed Hussein ‘Tshabalala’ on the left. These two have been instrumental in providing width and delivering dangerous crosses.
However, their usual attacking freedom might be restricted in this derby, as they will be facing Yanga’s dangerous wingers who can punish them on counter-attacks.
Fadlu Davids acknowledged this challenge in his pre-match remarks:
“We have to be disciplined in our defensive transitions. We know Yanga has fast and skillful players, so we must be cautious when we go forward.”
Simba’s Key Trio*
Simba’s attacking hopes rest on three key players Ellie Mpanzu, Kibu Denis, and Jean Charles Ahoua.
Kibu Denis and Ellie Mpanzu are expected to play crucial roles on the wings, using their speed and dribbling ability to break down Yanga’s defensive line.
Ahoua, playing as an attacking midfielder, has the vision and passing accuracy to unlock defenses, but his inconsistency in high-pressure matches remains a concern.
Yanga’s defense must be extra cautious, as any slight mistake could allow Simba’s attack to capitalize.
Defensive Concerns for Both Teams
Defensively, Simba has the better record, having conceded only eight goals so far this season. However, their biggest concern ahead of this game is the fitness of center-back Che Malone Fondoh and first-choice goalkeeper Moussa Camara.
Both missed the previous match, but their availability will be crucial in ensuring defensive stability.
Meanwhile, Yanga’s defense has conceded nine goals, and their backline has shown vulnerabilities in crucial moments. If they fail to tighten up, they could be exposed on derby day.
Hamdi remains optimistic, stating: “We have analyzed our weaknesses and worked on them in training. Our defenders know what is expected of them.”
Yanga’s Attacking Firepower
Yanga enters the derby with arguably the most dangerous forward line in the league. Their two star forwards, Clement Mzize and Prince Dube, have been in exceptional form, scoring a combined 20 goals (10 each).
Not only have they been scoring, but they have also been involved in creating goals. Dube has seven assists, while Mzize has three, meaning they have directly contributed to 30 of Yanga’s goals this season.
This makes them a huge threat to Simba’s defense, especially given their speed and clinical finishing.
Hamdi emphasized the importance of his strikers in the pre-match build-up: “We have players who can score in different ways. Our focus is to create as many chances as possible and make the most of them.”
Who Holds the Edge?
With both teams evenly matched in different areas, the derby is expected to be a closely contested affair. However, Yanga appears to have the advantage, especially in attack, where they boast superior goal-scoring form.
Simba, on the other hand, must find a way to disrupt Yanga’s midfield dominance and take their chances efficiently. Fadlu Davids is under immense pressure, as another loss to Yanga would put his future at the club under serious scrutiny.
As the battle lines are drawn, one thing is certain—this Kariakoo Derby will be a thrilling encounter where tactics, discipline, and execution will determine the victor.
Who will emerge victorious? The answer will be revealed in 90 minutes of intense football drama.a
