Salim wins praise for putting stellar performance in Dar derby

In what is regarded as the biggest soccer match in the country, which took place at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, Salim set a record for getting a clean sheet on his debut in the 'Dar derby' while second-choice goalkeeper Beno Kakolanya sat on the bench.

Simba SC's decision to start Salim came after the side's first-choice goalkeeper Aishi Manula returned to training whilst not being physically fit.

With Kakolanya having been said to be on his way to join Singida Big Stars after finalizing a deal with the team, it was therefore a chance for Salim, who played in the previous league match against Ihefu SC, to get more game time.

The 22-year-old, who in the process recorded his second clean sheet of the season said: " I had no pressure coming into this match, I knew Manula and Kakolanya are human beings and one day they will be missing and I will be required to step up."

"I have been training intensively for games like this because they allow me to be seen and help the team as well, getting a clean sheet in derby games adds more value and trust to the team and myself," the shot-stopper, who as well features for the national U-23 team, noted.

The shot-stopper added: "I have been playing various local and international friendly games this season and they have added maturity and experience in me... I look forward to performing at the highest level whenever I get a chance to play games."

Locals fan particularly those rooting for Simba SC will eagerly wait to learn if Salim will stand between the sticks when the squad faces Morocco's Wydad Casablanca in the 2022/23 CAF Champions League quarterfinals slated for April 22 in Dar es Salaam.

Simba SC assistant coach Juma Mgunda poured praise on the youthful goalkeeper for his calmness and bravery but called for more improvement to develop his career.

Mgunda noted: "He got a chance in two consecutive games and kept a clean sheet including the tie against Yanga, he shouldn't relax at all, he has to keep training hard and learn from experienced shot-stoppers to improve his career."

First-half goals netted by Henock Inonga and Kibu Denis meant this was the first time in two years that Simba SC defeated Yanga, with the Msimbazi Street outfit having played second fiddle in most outings at the time.

The win has taken Simba SC to 63 points whereas Yanga remains on top of the log with 68 points having played 26 games apiece.

This was the 110th game between these teams in the Premier League since 1965, of which Yanga has won 38 while Msimbazi Street outfit has won 32 and 40 matches have ended in a draw.

Both teams will now switch their focus to this season's CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals slated for this weekend. 

Simba SC will welcome Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarterfinals while Yanga is expected to jet off to Nigeria to face Rivers United in CAF Confederation Cup last eight's first leg duel.