YOUNG Africans SC head coach Miguel Gamondi insists he is approaching the upcoming NBC Premier League clash against long-time rivals Simba SC with a cool head, despite the high stakes of the encounter.

The eagerly awaited match has been slated for Saturday at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, with Young Africans SC, alias Yanga, currently leading the title race.

Gamondi downplayed any pressure surrounding the fixture, emphasizing his focus on meticulous preparation to secure victory and maintain his team’s push for the silverware.

“It’s a special game, but for me, it’s like any other match. I have immense respect for all teams, and our preparation remains consistent,” the Argentinian coach acknowledged.

Gamondi remarked: “We’ve concluded one stage of training and are now entirely focused on this game. Pressure? None whatsoever. My only objective is to prepare the team to win.”

The gaffer attributed his team’s success this season to a potent combination of talent, unwavering commitment, and tactical discipline displayed by his players.

“The biggest threat we pose lies in the quality, dedication, and tactical awareness of our players,” he explained.

“They operate with remarkable unity and dedication, adhering to our game plan with discipline. It's this family spirit that truly matters.”

This upcoming match promises to be a tense affair, with Yanga aiming to solidify their lead and Simba SC striving to close the gap.

Gamondi’s unwavering focus and his team’s strong showing so far suggest a thrilling encounter is on the horizon.

Yanga is, on the one hand, the league leader by a wide margin. The squad has been nearly unstoppable, racking up 18 wins and only losing twice in 21 games.

Their offense is on fire, leading the league with a whopping 52 goals. Midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki is the league’s top goal scorer with 14 goals.

Simba SC, on the other hand, has had a less impressive season. They are currently in third place, nine points behind Yanga.

Despite some inconsistency, they have still managed 14 wins and are fighting for a top-two finish, which would qualify them for the CAF Champions League.

These two teams have a history of meeting in tightly contested matches. In their last five meetings, each team has only won once, with the other three games ending in draws.

However, Yanga's recent 5-1 thrashing of Simba SC is sure to be on everyone’s mind, and Simba SC will be eager for revenge.

This game is much bigger than just three points because it is a battle for city bragging rights and, more importantly, the league title.

Soccer lovers should expect a tense match with both teams being desperate to win.