THE Dar es Salaam Derby, the fiercely contested clash between Tanzania’s football giants, Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba SC, is more than just a match. It is a cultural institution that unites and divides fans across the nation.

Scheduled for June 15, 2025, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the 184th edition of this storied rivalry is shrouded in uncertainty, threatening the integrity of the 2024/25 Mainland Premier League campaign and the passion of its supporters. 

The ongoing dispute, rooted in the controversial postponement of the March 8, 2025, fixture, demands swift resolution to preserve the credibility of Tanzanian football, ensure fairness, and honor the fans who make this derby one of Africa’s most electrifying spectacles. 

The root of the current impasse lies in an incident on March 7, 2025, when Simba was allegedly prevented from conducting their final training session at the stadium by Young Africans’ supporters, prompting Simba to boycott the match. 

The Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) postponed the game, citing an emergency, but failed to provide clear justification, leading Young Africans to argue that Simba’s absence warranted an automatic victory under league rules. 

Young Africans have since maintained that the rescheduled match on June 15 should not proceed until the TPLB issues a formal ruling on the original dispute. The club has even escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), signaling a deep rift that threatens the league’s stability. 

Less than ten days before the derby, reports from Young Africans paint a troubling picture whether the derby will go ahead as scheduled. The club’s executive committee, typically a hive of activity in the lead-up to the derby, has held no preparatory meetings, a stark departure from the norm for such a high-profile match. 

The technical department has excluded the Simba game from its schedule, focusing instead on upcoming fixtures against Prisons, Dodoma Jiji, and the Federation Cup final. 

Young Africans’ branch leaders, responsible for stadium logistics and security, show no signs of preparing for June 15. The club’s official calendar for June, which includes only three remaining matches, omits the derby entirely. 

Ali Kamwe, Young Africans’ head of information an d communication, reiterated this position on a local radio station, stating that the club has communicated its stance to the TPLB and considers the matter closed. 

Meanwhile, the TPLB insists the match will go ahead as planned, and Simba continue preparations, publicly challenging Young Africans to show up. 

This standoff risks more than just a single game. Under Rule 31 of the 2024 Tanzania Premier League regulations, a team that fails to appear without a valid reason faces a five million shilling fine, compensation for damages, and a 15-point deduction. 

For Young Africans, who lead the league, such a penalty could be catastrophic, potentially costing them the title and even their spot in next season’s CAF Champions League.

If Young Africans’ boycott persists and they slip in their remaining matches, rivals are likely to capitalize, further reshaping the league standings. 

However, Young Africans’ hardline stance stems from the fact that they can still finish second in the league and claim the coveted CAF Champions League ticket if they win their remaining two matches regardless of other results. 

They can also win the Federation Cup which will add to their Community Shield and Union Cup titles. This means they are ready to sacrifice the league title to make a point as a matter of principle. 

On the balance of that, it looks like Young Africans have little to lose which calls for a need for a resolution of the matter as quickly as possible. The urgency for resolution stems from several critical factors. 

First, the fans deserve clarity. The Dar es Salaam Derby draws tens of thousands to Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and millions more via broadcast, generating significant revenue and national pride. 

Uncertainty erodes this cultural cornerstone, leaving supporters frustrated and disillusioned. Fans have already expressed their discontent on platforms, with many calling for the TPLB to mediate effectively or risk losing credibility. 

A prolonged dispute could dampen enthusiasm for the league, which has seen growing investment. 

Second, the integrity of the Tanzania Premier League is at stake. The TPLB’s handling of the March postponement has been widely criticized for lacking transparency and violating league regulations. 

By failing to issue a clear ruling, the board has allowed tensions to fester, casting doubt on its impartiality and governance. This risks deterring sponsors and investors who have fueled the league’s recent growth. 

A transparent resolution, whether through mediation or a definitive ruling, is essential to restore trust in the TPLB’s ability to manage high-stakes disputes. 

Third, the competitive balance of the league hangs in the balance. A point deduction for Young Africans could hand Simba the championship, while a failure to resolve the issue could lead to further legal battles, potentially at the international level through CAS. 

Such a scenario would tarnish Tanzanian football’s reputation as one of Africa’s rising leagues. 

The TPLB and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) must act swiftly to broker a solution, whether by mediation or issuing a ruling on the March incident. The longer this uncertainty persists, the greater the risk of irreparable damage to the league’s standing. 

To resolve this crisis, the TPLB should convene an emergency meeting with Young Africans, Simba, the TFF, and government stakeholders to address the March postponement and clarify the June 15 match’s status. 

A public statement outlining the decision, backed by clear adherence to league rules, would demonstrate accountability and restore fan confidence. 

If Young Africans persist in their boycott, the TPLB must enforce Rule 31 decisively, while ensuring the process is transparent to avoid accusations of bias. 

Alternatively, if the TPLB finds merit in Young Africans’ grievances, it should propose a compromise, such as addressing security concerns and the board’s composition.

The derby is more than a game. It is a celebration of Tanzanian football’s passion and potential. Allowing it to be derailed by administrative failures or club disputes would be a disservice to the fans, players, and the nation’s sporting legacy. 

The TPLB, TFF, and both clubs must prioritize dialogue and fairness to ensure the match proceeds on June 15. 

Time is running out, and the eyes of Tanzania’s football community are watching.