Harambee Stars and Yanga goalkeeper Faruk Shikalo has disclosed the secret behind his impressive performances in the Kariokor derby.The Kenyan goalkeeper has never lost in the biggest Tanzanian club football fixture when in between the sticks since joining the record champions from Bandari in 2019.Faruk who is famously known as Waza was in goal when Yanga silenced a much fancied Simba 1-0 last weekend at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to puncture their march to their fourth straight league title.Kwangu mimi man of the match ni #farukshikalo Wewe je? pic.twitter.com/JYUHTLYtnc— YANGAWHATSAPP_TANZANIA (@YWTZ_TANZANIA) May 25, 2021 The custodian who joined Yanga in 2019 disclosed that his concentration levels during the derby which pits the bitter rivals overhead that in other matches this the difference. “The Tanzanian derby is a big game and a second is enough to make a difference. The match attracts big crowds and is watched world wide and thus I can not afford to make a slight mistake. I always maintain high levels of concentration in the game and ensure I am in the right state of mind before the game,” he said.Additionally, the former Posta Rangers shot stopper credits his resurgence at the club to the arrival of former Stars goalkeepers trainer Razak Siwa whom he previously worked with at Bandari. ” My game has improved by mile from the time Siwa joined the club. He understands my strengths and weaknesses,” he said. With the two clubs set to renew their rivalry in the FA Cup finals slated in the final week of the month in Kigoma, Faruk is confident of another win over the Msimbazi side.Kenya air Faruk shikalo 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/ccuMb6Y4IN— MekuMjanja (@PPentrela) June 5, 2020 The former Muhoroni Youth goalkeeper is assured of keeping the Yanga One slot following the suspension of his competitor Metacha Mnata on disciplinary grounds.Mnata was temporarily axed from the squad last month after his altercation with fans moments after their 3-2 win over Ruvu Shooting. ” A final does not a return leg and hence we have to put our best feet forward in the match and beat them again. It will be a big honor to finish the season with a trophy and confirm that we earned the license to play CAF matches from the pitch,” he added.
