AS tensions continue to rise ahead of the much-anticipated Dar es Salaam Derby clash between Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga), scheduled for June 15, 2025, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Msimbazi Street-based side has issued a strong public statement reaffirming their commitment to play the match despite uncertainty surrounding their rivals’ participation.

The announcement comes amid ongoing controversy stirred by Young Africans, the host team for the second round derby, who have publicly declared that they will not take part in the match unless four key demands are met by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB).

In contrast, Simba took a different tone earlier yesterday, releasing an official statement to the public, emphasizing the importance of the fixture and urging fans to prepare for the game. 

The club used the opportunity to clarify its stance and send a clear message to football authorities, fans, and its archrivals.

“Simba SC would like to inform our members, fans, and the public that match number 184 against Yanga, scheduled for June 15, 2025, will take place as planned,” the statement read. 

“We advise our fans not to be distracted by outside noise. Those who purchased tickets for the original March 8, 2025 fixture, which was postponed, should hold on to them as they will remain valid. For those who have not yet bought tickets, we encourage you to be ready to purchase them as soon as the League Board announces the resumption of ticket sales.”

Simba’s remarks appear to directly challenge Young Africans’ recent threats to boycott the match unless their demands including public apologies, disciplinary action, and a review of governance protocols are met. 

Simba, however, insisted that the competition is a collective undertaking and not one influenced by the demands of a single club.

“The NBC Premier League is composed of 16 teams and does not revolve around one club,” the statement continued. “At the beginning of each season, all teams take part in consultations and propose recommendations to improve rules and procedures that govern the league. Any team with concerns must follow the proper channels to raise those issues.”

Beyond their message to fans, Simba’s statement also issued a strong call for transparency and accountability from the TPLB and TFF, especially regarding the chaos that erupted on the eve of the original fixture, March 7, 2025.

Violent incidents the night before the match led to its last-minute postponement, a move that sparked national debate over safety, league governance, and fairness.

Simba have demanded that the league board release an official investigation report detailing those responsible for the disruption and ensuring appropriate disciplinary measures are taken.

“We call on the League Board and TFF to make public the results of their investigation into the events of March 7, 2025. Those who instigated the violence that led to the disruption of the league match must be held accountable,” Simba’s statement emphasized. 

“Failure to take action against those inciting violence is tantamount to protecting piracy in football. This undermines the tremendous progress that the sport has made in Tanzania.”

Simba’s statement is seen as an effort to calm their fan base and reaffirm trust in the league’s structure, while also placing pressure on football authorities to uphold order and fairness. The message is clear: Simba is ready to play and expects all stakeholders to respect the integrity of the sport.

The club also used the opportunity to call on their fans to turn up in large numbers and fill the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, urging supporters to stay focused on football and avoid being drawn into ongoing controversies.

The Dar es Salaam Derby remains one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in Tanzanian football, often drawing massive crowds and nationwide attention. Whether or not Young Africans will honor the fixture remains uncertain, but Simba’s stance sets the stage for a dramatic buildup to June 15.

As the date draws closer, all eyes are now on the League Board and the TFF to address the simmering tensions and ensure that the derby  proceeds without further disruption. 

CAPTION:

Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) chief executive officer, Almasi Kasongo.