Simba versus Yanga is a cultural event in Tanzania. The jibes and name calling has a history. Now Simba refer to Yanga as Utopolo. #DarDerby [Small thread]

Simba-Yanga rivalry has a history in social class differences during their formative years. Sunderland (Simba) fans called Yanga fans wachuuzi wa samaki (fishmongers), wavuvi (fishermen) or wapanda minazi (coconut tree climbers). Source: @jamesrbrennantz edited book.

Yanga fans called their Simba counterparts watumwa wa waarabu (Arab slaves), wazungu (Europeans) and wasomi (learned or elite).

Ethnic factors also played in the formation and development of these clubs. Yanga was made up of mostly Zaramo, Shomvi and Ndengereko tribes.

Simba was associated with educated Africans and urban residents of Arab descent. It also had Indian (Goan and Ismaili Khoja) players. And got support from wealthy Arab patrons.

Despite this erstwhile rivalry, Simba and Yanga fans jointly participated in social events such as funerals. (Kuzikana).

Yanga and Simba also played some role in the Tanganyika Zanzibar connections. Yanga was allied with Zanzibar's African Sports club with Simba allied to Kikwajuni Sports club. Afro Shirazi Party (ASP) of Karume was allied to African Sports. Yanga was close to TANU.

These two clubs also influenced politics in post independent Tanzania. Leading politicians were allied to either clubs. Rural-urban migration saw these two Dar es Salaam clubs get support from people from all over Tanzania.

The club rivalry in post independent Tanzania player some role in the national building project. Growing up in a Tanzanian family, your dad was either Yanga or Simba. My father told me he had some memories of Yanga. But I didn't like their colors so I became a Simba fan.

My earliest memory of Simba was in 1993. I was very young. Simba reached the CAF finals and lost to Stella Abidjan of Ivory Coast. Simba lost 2-0 on aggregate. Stella had a player called Boli Zozo. He was the hero of the game in Dar in the presence of President Ali Hassan Mwinyi

Ten years later, in 2003 Simba had a great run in the CAF champions league. Simba had great players: Juma Kaseja, Boniface Pawasa, Selemani Matola (current assistant coach), Victor Costa (Nyumba), Emmanuel Gabriel (Batigoal), Yusuf Macho.

My memorable Simba v Yanga games: 6 May 2012. Simba humiliated Yanga 5-0. The late Patrick Mafisango was in great shape. Then the other one was in 2013 when Simba came from 3 goals down to draw 3-3.

Looking forward to a great game today. #DarDerby