By Austin Oduor Otieno in Dar es Salaam.

Two most celebrated Tanzanian clubs Simba and Yanga have the most passionate soccer fans across Africa. The two clubs derive their support not only in Tanzania but the entire East Africa.

One of the Clubs Yanga are in the Quarter finals and they are set to face fellow Tanzanian moneybags Azam Fc for a semi final spot tomorrow at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Soka25east was at one of the strongholds of the two clubs support zone of Buguruni area in Ghana estate and found out how the two clubs manage to have the same offices adjacent to each other.

Speaking to one of the officials and supporters of the Msimbazi outfit by name Marwa Kyangwe,Soka25east found out that the two clubs will have no problem with the proximity because they believe on freedom of speech and that the pillar of brotherhood inplanted in them by the late Julius Kambarage Nyerere.

‘We can never fight each other physically but we do have heated verbal exchanges which are healthy,you know Yanga still embrace old guards but we Simba we have the youth at heart,we have the youth” Marwa Kyangwe told Soka25east.

A yanga fan by the name Mwakatobe Siad was quick to say that it is very unlikely to find them fight physically but normal to find them arguing verbally over who is superior.

Cureently Yanga are in the quarters to face Azam,and most Simba fans are rooting for Azam just as they did for Gor Mahia in the opening match.

“I have just washed my new Simba jersey and by today it will be dry,i will keep it in the safe and then tomorrow morning pass by Msimbazi to join others to Temeke where we will together support Azam so that Yanga does not make it to the final” Muro Said,a Simba fan told Soka25east.

It is the trend here in Dar es Salaam and allover Tanzania where both clubs have fans offices close to each other.Infact even the main club offices in Msimbazi and Jangwani are in adjacent streets.

Other clubs like Mbeya City and Azam are also coming up with their base although the former derived huge support from Mbeya.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com