Makgalwa says Kariakoo derby surpasses South Africa’s Soweto clash

Simba SC winger Keletso Makgalwa believes the Kariakoo derby against Young Africans is a more demanding contest than South Africa’s Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

The Tanzania meeting could give Makgalwa his first opportunity to play in the fixture when Simba face Young Africans in the league on Saturday.

The two clubs are level on 18 points at the top of the standings, with Young Africans occupying first place because of their superior goal difference.

Makgalwa has not yet appeared in the derby, although he experienced its atmosphere from the bench during the Community Shield in August. Young Africans won that match, leaving Simba determined to respond in the league contest.

The former Sekhukhune United attacker described the intensity surrounding the fixture in an interview with iDiski Times journalist Lethabo Kganyago, published in edition 276.

“The atmosphere of that derby is wow, I can’t explain it,” Makgalwa told iDiski Times.

“That game is tough, to be honest, because it’s a Tanzanian derby, and the fans demand a lot. I think, to be honest, it’s a better derby than the one we have in South Africa, the Soweto derby.”

He said the pressure extended beyond the players to everyone connected with Simba.

“I think that one is too demanding, especially from the fans, the office, management, everyone involved. Actually, we want it more than them because we lost against them in the Community Shield, and it was not nice.”

Makgalwa also recalled the reaction from supporters after the Community Shield defeat and said Simba had made a commitment to deliver victory in the league.

“For you, walking in the streets is tough because the supporters were angry. So, we promise them that this one we’re going to make sure that we win it, and especially for our President.”

The Saturday fixture will therefore be Makgalwa’s potential first appearance in one of Tanzanian football’s biggest matches, with Simba seeking to overtake Young Africans at the top of the table.