This archive report was first published on 4 August 2019.
On Sunday, the 60,000-seater National Stadium in Dar es Salaam will host a potentially explosive friendly match between Young Africans and Kariobangi Sharks of Kenya, with Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli expected to be the chief guest.
As part of the annual Wiki ya Mwananchi celebrations associated with Young Africans, the match is set to be the climax of the event, which is scheduled to start at 4pm.
According to a report by Swahili newspaper Mwanaspoti on Sunday, security has been beefed up at the venue, suggesting that the Head of State may indeed be in attendance.
Sharks and Yanga have a history, having clashed in a pulsating SportPesa Super Cup match in January 2019, which Sharks won 3-2.
Sharks coach William Muluya expressed his team's readiness for the new season, stating, 'We are preparing for the new season and this trip to Tanzania is part of pre-season. This will be an exciting game, more physical and competitive other than just a friendly match. We are looking to win.'
Sharks have been in good form lately, with a notable 4-3 post-match penalties win over English Premier League side Everton being one of the highlights of their season.
Yanga, on the other hand, will use this occasion to introduce their new kit and new signings ahead of the 2018/2019 league season, with 15 new players, including Kenyan goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo, Ugandan forward Juma Balinya, Ghanaian Lamine Moro, and Zambian Maybin Kalengo, set to make their debut.
