TWO separate occasions have cast a shadow over Tanzanian football, frustrating fans nationwide after the much-anticipated Dar es Salaam Derby between Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba SC, scheduled for March 8, 2025, failed to take place.

In both instances, the highly awaited clash was postponed for avoidable reasons, tarnishing the reputation of the nation’s most prestigious fixture. This recurring issue is a disgrace to Tanzanian football. If decisive action isn't taken, it risks becoming a deeply ingrained problem.

Both times, the matches were called off because one of the teams refused to play. It is astonishing that despite clear league regulations and the oversight of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and FIFA, no strong measures have been taken to prevent such behaviour.

It is simply unacceptable that Simba and Young Africans, the country's premier clubs, can make reckless decisions without considering the impact on fans, sponsors, and the financial well-being of the sport.

Fans are the lifeblood of football, traveling from different regions and even from abroad, investing their time and money to witness this historic rivalry. 

Imagine someone coming from Kigoma, Tarime, or another country, eager to experience the Dar es Salaam Derby, only to be told just hours before kick-off that the match has been postponed.

Does anyone think about their losses beyond the ticket refund? Travel expenses, accommodation costs, and time wasted cannot be reimbursed. Often, the only consolation given is: "Come with your same ticket next time." However, the financial burden goes far beyond just a ticket.

The financial losses from these postponements extend beyond fans. Match organizers, hotel businesses, stadium vendors, and advertising partners all suffer. Television and radio broadcasters who prepared to air the match face disruptions, causing significant monetary losses. Economically, it is like tearing up money.

Companies that own broadcasting rights plan their schedules long in advance, investing heavily in production. When a game of this magnitude is suddenly called off, they lose revenue. Such repeated disappointments could eventually drive investors away from Tanzanian football.

The Tanzanian Mainland Premier League has made remarkable progress, establishing itself as one of Africa’s top leagues. Official rankings place it as the fourth-best league on the continent. However, this status is at risk if indiscipline continues to plague the competition.

Simba and Young Africans, as Tanzania’s football giants, carry the responsibility of upholding the league’s integrity. Their decisions should reflect maturity and respect for the game, not just their own club interests.

The Tanzania Football Federation must enforce regulations firmly and equally. If smaller clubs engaged in similar actions, would they be tolerated? Why should the biggest teams be exempt? Without decisive action, boycotting matches could become a norm, diminishing the league’s credibility.

No club is bigger than the game itself. Fans, media, football activists, and all stakeholders must demand accountability to prevent such incidents from happening again. 

If these disruptions continue, they could weaken the league’s appeal, discouraging sponsorship deals that depend on the competition’s stability.

Now is the time for the TFF to take action and implement strategies to prevent future occurrences. If necessary, penalties such as point deductions, hefty fines, or even suspensions for clubs that violate regulations should be imposed.

Strong leadership is needed - one that prioritizes discipline over favouritism. If one of the big clubs is punished decisively, others will think twice before disrupting the league.

This is an opportunity to reshape the management of Tanzanian football and enforce true accountability. Clubs must be held responsible, fans must be respected, and the league must set an example for African football.

If action is not taken now, the league risks becoming predictable and uncompetitive, dominated by off-field controversies rather than true sporting rivalry.

The time to act is now.