Yanga maintain stand not to feature in derby

Dar es Salaam. Defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) have officially announced that they will not participate in their scheduled match against arch rivals Simba SC, in protest against what they describe as "injustice and serious violations of regulations" in the management of football in the country.

In a statement released to the public today, May 5, 2025, Yanga confirmed that they have received a response from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding their case number CAS 2025/A/11298.

CAS advised the club to first exhaust all internal football committee procedures before pursuing an appeal.

However, Yanga stated that they have no confidence in those committees, citing what they describe as clear bias and favoritism toward certain teams.

“Due to injustice, severe violations of regulations, and blatant favoritism toward certain teams by football authorities in Tanzania, the leadership of Young Africans Sports Club has no confidence in—and is not willing to submit this matter to—institutions that perpetuate such injustices,” the statement read.

Regarding their match against Simba, listed as match number 184 of this season’s NBC Premier League, Yanga reaffirmed their decision:

“Our club’s position on match number 184 of this season’s Premier League remains unchanged—we will not participate in that match under any circumstances.”

The statement also assured fans that the club is committed to fighting for justice through all available avenues.

“All Yanga members are ready to defend their rights by all necessary means to end the ongoing injustice and regulatory violations being committed by football authorities, for the greater good of football development in the country.”