Despite dominating over their arch-rivals, Simba SC, over the last few seasons, Yanga SC head coach Miguel Gamondi says it will count for nothing when the two sides meet in the Kariokoo Derby this weekend, one of the biggest games in African football.
Gamondi has been in charge of two previous derbies, winning both and dominating their sworn rivals, but he believes he cannot go into a new game expecting it to be easy.
Speaking to Telecomasia.net ahead of the game, the coach has admitted it will not be easier this time, especially against a new-look Simba side:
The past is the past, and I don’t think about history. Every game is different, and last season’s game cannot be like this season. Yes, we won and dominated games, and we are a top team, but I don’t care about that; I just want to prepare for a new game. We have to be cautious and work hard because this will be a tough game. We are facing a good side, and we have to put in a lot of effort to win the game.
Miguel Gamondi
Yanga have had a brilliant start to the domestic season, winning all of their four opening matches and are looking to make it five out of five in the derby against Simba, who have won four and drawn one of their first five games.
This will be a very difficult derby. I have a lot of respect for Simba because they are a good team. But we also have a lot of responsibility to our fans to give them something to be happy about. This will be a battle, and we are ready.
Miguel Gamondi exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
Last season, Yanga beat Simba home and away, winning with a massive 5-1 score in the first leg and 2-1 in the second leg.