Dar es Salaam. Simba SC have reaffirmed its intention to participate in the rescheduled Kariakoo Derby on June 15, 2025, and has called on the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) to enforce league rules and act firmly against those responsible for past disruptions.
In a public statement released on March 10, 2025, the Msimbazi Street-based club reminded supporters to retain tickets purchased for the initial fixture on March 8, 2025, which was postponed under controversial circumstances.
The club also urged fans who have not yet secured tickets to be ready to purchase once the League Board announces a new sales window.
“Simba SC wishes to inform members, supporters, and the public that Match No. 184 against Yanga, scheduled for June 15, 2025, remains as planned,” the statement reads.
“We urge you not to be swayed by street-level noise. Those who bought tickets for the March 8 match should keep them for use on the new date. Those who haven’t should prepare to buy as soon as the League Board announces the process. Let us fill the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.”
Simba also called on the League Board and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to uphold the integrity of the competition by releasing the findings of investigations into the March 8 incident and taking disciplinary measures against those found culpable.
“It is well known that the NBC Premier League comprises 16 clubs—not just one,” the statement noted. “Every season, all clubs contribute to discussions aimed at strengthening league regulations. Those with grievances should follow proper procedures.”
The club demanded that TPLB and TFF publish the full investigation report into the events of March 7—the eve of the original derby date—and ensure that those who disrupted the match preparations face consequences.
“Failure to release the report and sanction those stoking unrest is tantamount to protecting lawlessness in football and undermines the recent progress in our football landscape,” the statement read.
Simba March 8 boycott
The derby tensions stretch back to the March 8 fixture, which Simba SC refused to honour, citing a violation of league regulations.
In a statement issued in the early hours of that day, Simba said it had been unlawfully denied access to train at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, despite being entitled under Article 17 (45) of the 2024 Premier League regulations to hold a final training session at the venue at the scheduled kick-off time.
“Simba SC are deeply disappointed by the unfair treatment of our team ahead of the NBC Premier League match against Yanga, where we were the visiting team,” the statement read.
The club alleged that despite arriving at the stadium at the correct time, they were blocked by Yanga security personnel and denied access. The stadium manager, according to Simba, insisted he had no clearance to allow training without authorisation from the match commissioner.
However, even after the commissioner’s arrival, Simba claimed that security personnel stormed their convoy, causing disruptions.
“After more than two hours of failed attempts to resolve the situation, our players were forced to leave for security reasons. All incidents were recorded as evidence,” the club said, declaring that it would not play under such conditions and urging authorities to take disciplinary action.
The fallout from that day continues to cast a shadow over the derby, as Yanga SC, the designated home side, have also issued demands—including structural reform and accountability within TFF—as preconditions for their participation.
With just days to go before the June 15 rescheduled clash, uncertainty remains over whether both giants of Tanzanian football will share the pitch or whether broader governance issues will again take centre stage.
