Bajaber Mohammed eager for Kariokor Derby clash with Yanga
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 08.08.25. | 12:36
Mohammed, who last week withdrew from Kenya’s CHAN squad to finalise his move to Simba, is currently in Egypt with his new teammates for pre-season
New Simba SC acquisition Bajaber Mohammed is relishing the prospect of featuring in the Kariokor Derby, a heated clash between Tanzanian giants Simba SC and their eternal rivals Yanga SC.
Mohammed, who last week withdrew from Kenya’s CHAN squad to finalise his move to Simba, is currently in Egypt with his new teammates for pre-season preparations. The team is gearing up for a new campaign in which they’ll compete in the CAF Champions League and aim to bounce back from a trophyless season.
The 22-year-old forward’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Just three years ago, he was clubless. Since then, he has featured for Nairobi City Stars, then Kenya Police FC, where he won the FKF Premier League, and has now crossed into Tanzanian football, joining one of the continent’s most illustrious clubs.
Speaking to Azam TV, Mohammed revealed that playing in the Kariokor Derby is one of the things he is most excited about, likening it to Kenya’s iconic Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia.
“Simba and Yanga is a big game. Every season, it’s a big game and everyone looks forward to it. As a player, you dream of playing in such games and scoring. It’s pretty much the same as the Mashemeji Derby. Even though I haven’t played in the derby, the magnitude of the game is the same because many people turn out for it. It’s good because, as a player, it elevates you,” he said.
Mohammed also opened up about his journey to professional football, revealing that his parents were initially reluctant to support his football dreams, preferring he focused on academics. However, thanks to his siblings' encouragement and support, his family eventually came around.
“At first, my parents didn’t want me to play football much because they wanted me to go to school, which I did after my stint with Ligi Ndogo Academy. But my brothers eventually convinced them to support me both financially and emotionally, and I’m glad it has paid off,” he added.
Simba SC are undergoing a rebuilding phase and will be looking to dethrone Yanga in the upcoming season, with Mohammed expected to play a key role in that mission.
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