After around 10 days of preparations in South Africa, the Simba SC squad returned to Tanzania earlier this week and went into camp ahead of the highly anticipated Kariakoo Derby against Yanga SC.
Simba and Yanga are set to meet on Saturday, October 10, at Uhuru Stadium, with both sides heading into the match with strong reasons to want a positive result.
But ahead of the clash, one name has dominated discussions on social media more than any other: Libasse Gueye.
Shortly after Simba returned from South Africa, reports emerged that the Senegalese attacking midfielder had suffered an ankle injury that could have ruled him out for around four weeks.
However, those reports proved to be untrue. Simba management confirmed that Gueye had no such injury and is 100 per cent fit, continuing preparations alongside his teammates ahead of the match against Yanga.
Here is the thing: if there is one player Yanga’s technical bench would probably rather not see in Simba’s starting lineup on Saturday, it is Gueye. There is one major reason—he has been in outstanding form so far this season.
Gueye Is Simba’s Goal Machine
Gueye has looked like a different player this season. He has improved significantly, become highly influential in Simba’s attack and, above all, has shown on the pitch why he is a player opposing teams would rather not give space to.
The statistics tell the story.
Of the 11 goals Simba have scored in the Mainland Premier League this season, six have come through Gueye.
That is more than half of all the goals Simba have scored in the league.
In other words, when discussing Simba’s goalscoring ability this season, it is impossible to leave Gueye’s name out.
He is Simba’s goal machine.
His Champions League Impact Provided the Answer
Gueye’s importance was also evident during Simba’s campaign in the preliminary stages of the CAF Champions League.
The midfielder missed the first-leg match against Mighty Wanderers, which Simba won 1-0 away from home.
But when he returned for the second leg in Dar es Salaam, he provided a direct answer about his value to the squad.
Gueye scored twice in Simba’s emphatic 6-1 victory.
It was a performance that demonstrated how his presence can completely change the look of Simba’s attack.
He Has Contributed to Eight Goals This Season
Although the season is still in its early stages, Gueye has already been directly involved in eight goals across all competitions.
That record puts him among the most influential players in Tanzanian football at the moment.
Saturday could provide him with another opportunity to prove what he has been doing since the start of the season.
Clearly, the Kariakoo Derby will be perhaps his biggest test yet. Simba fans will be waiting to see whether he can maintain his hot streak.
