New Tanzania Premier League season to kick off on September 16

 Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has officially announced that the 2025/2026 Mainland Premier League season will kick off on September 16, 2025, marking the beginning of yet another highly anticipated campaign in the country's top-flight football.

According to TPLB, a total of 16 clubs will compete in the upcoming season, with reigning champions Young Africans SC (Yanga) returning to defend their crown after a historic run of dominance over the past four seasons.

Yanga has firmly stamped its authority in Tanzanian football by winning the league title in four consecutive campaigns—2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024, and most recently, the 2024/2025 season.

The Jangwani giants capped off their successful 2024/25 season by also clinching the CRDB Federation Cup and the Community Shield, achieving a remarkable domestic treble that cemented their status as the nation’s most in-form club.

Their arch-rivals Simba SC, who pushed Yanga throughout the previous season, finished in second place and will once again be eager to dethrone their bitter rivals. Azam FC secured third position, while Singida Black Stars rounded off the top four after a competitive campaign.

As a result of their strong finishes, Yanga and Simba have secured spots in the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League, giving them another shot at continental glory. Meanwhile, Azam FC and Singida Black Stars have booked tickets to represent Tanzania in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The 2025/26 season promises to be competitive, not just among the traditional powerhouses but across the entire league table. Among the other teams confirmed by the TPLB to take part are Coastal Union, Dodoma Jiji, Pamba Jiji, KMC, JKT Tanzania, Mashujaa FC, Fountain Gate FC, Namungo FC, and Tabora United.

The league will also welcome back two familiar sides—Mtibwa Sugar and Mbeya City—who earned promotion from the Championship to return to the top tier. Their inclusion brings fresh energy and heightened competition to the league, as both teams will be fighting to avoid relegation and prove they belong among the elite.

TPLB officials have promised a well-organized and competitive season, building on the successes of previous years. The board is also expected to release the full fixture list and match venues in the coming days, allowing clubs and fans to begin preparations in earnest.

Football stakeholders are hopeful that the upcoming season will not only deliver exciting matches but also help Tanzanian clubs improve their performance in continental competitions. With CAF tournaments becoming increasingly competitive, local clubs are expected to strengthen their squads, improve infrastructure, and invest in youth development.

As the countdown to September 16 begins, all eyes will be on Yanga to see whether they can extend their incredible title-winning streak to a fifth consecutive season or whether Simba, Azam, or another surprise contender can break their dominance.