SIMBA SC have officially confirmed their willingness to honour the rescheduled Mainland Premier League fixture set by the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) for June 15 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, even as rivals Young Africans (Yanga) maintain they will not participate in the match.

Earlier this week, Young Africans released a statement reaffirming their decision not to face Simba again this season for the second round game. They are demanding a 3-0 walkover victory for the unplayed derby, a claim that was recently rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The highly anticipated Dar es Salaam derby was initially scheduled for March 8 but was postponed due to significant concerns over safety, security, and match integrity. 

The delay followed a formal complaint from Simba, who alleged they were denied access to matchday training facilities at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

According to Simba, they arrived at the stadium a day before the fixture, in line with league regulations, intending to conduct a training session. However, they claim they were barred from entering and had to leave without training. 

The club submitted a formal complaint to the TPLB, which operates under the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF). After reviewing the case, the TPLB approved Simba’s request to postpone the derby.

The rescheduled match is now set for June 15, with Young Africans as the designated home team. The outcome could prove decisive in the title race, as Young Africans currently top the league with 70 points, while Simba trail closely with 63 (prior to their most recent match against Pamba Jiji).

The two rivals have already met twice this season. Young Africans claimed victory in both encounters: 1-0 in the Community Shield semi-final and again by the same margin in the first-round league fixture.

Simba SC Media and Communication Manager Ahmed Ally (pictured) expressed his club’s excitement about the confirmed date, emphasizing their readiness and passion for the derby.

“We are thrilled with the decision to play Yanga again!” said Ally. “Seeing the revised fixture with the derby date makes us very happy. Simba is all about playing football, so we’re delighted and have already started preparing.”

He added: “Football is our life here in the city. It’s why we’re here and why we do what we do. So, with the game against Yanga set for June 15, we can’t wait! But first, our focus is on bringing home the CAF Confederation Cup before we face them.”

Simba are currently in high spirits, having reached the CAF Confederation Cup final. They are set to face Moroccan side RS Berkane, with the first leg scheduled for May 17 in Morocco and the return leg to be played on May 25 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

With the league title hanging in the balance and continental glory within reach, Simba are preparing for what could be a defining moment in their season.