The match between Yanga SC and Simba SC, originally scheduled for March 8, 2025, was postponed by the Premier League Board (TPLB) following a dispute that arose after Simba SC was reportedly prevented from conducting their pre-match training at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium the day before the match.
According to reports, the conflict began when Simba SC claimed they would not field a team for the match on March 8, 2025, because they were denied their right to perform light training at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on March 7, 2025 .
Simba SC stated that this prevention constituted a violation of the regulations. Specifically, Simba SC’s statement indicated that according to Rule 17(45) of the Premier League Regulations, the away team has the right to train at the match stadium at least once before the match day at the expected time of the match .
Simba alleged that despite arriving at the stadium at the scheduled time (7 PM, which was the planned kickoff time for the match) to conduct their training, they were prevented from entering by individuals described as bouncers or commandos associated with Yanga SC
Simba’s efforts to resolve the issue were reportedly unsuccessful for over two hours, leading them to leave the area outside the stadium for security reasons
Following this incident and the alleged violation of procedures, Simba announced their decision not to participate in the match A member of Simba’s Board of Directors, Crescentius Magori, further stated that the team would not play in the league until those involved in the incident were punished
.In response to Simba’s stance and the unfolding events, Yanga SC maintained their position that the match should proceed as originally scheduled on March 8, 2025 . Yanga SC’s leadership stated that they believed all match procedures, as outlined in the NBC Premier League regulations, were in order and that all preparations were ready. They announced that the team would go to the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as directed by the regulations and emphasized that they would not be willing to play the match on any other day
Yanga SC’s Vice President, Arafat Haji, publicly stated that he would be the last person within the club to believe that Yanga SC would play another Derby match in the 2024/2025 season besides the one planned for March 8, 2025 Yanga SC’s squad did indeed arrive at the stadium on March 8, 2025, as planned
The Premier League Board (TPLB) held an emergency meeting on March 8, 2025, to review the matter TPLB issued a statement explaining their decision to postpone the match to allow for further investigation into the incident. TPLB acknowledged receiving a letter from Simba SC detailing the incident where they were prevented from entering the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for their final training session and stating their intention not to participate in the match due to being denied their regulatory right under Rule 17:45
TPLB instructed their match officials, who had witnessed the event, to submit a report quickly . Upon reviewing various reports, including those from match officials and other sources, TPLB made several findings . They confirmed that the club Simba SC, while intending to exercise their right under Rule 17:45, had not contacted any match official, the home team (Yanga SC), or the stadium authority regarding their intention to train at the stadium.
TPLB indicated that such communication is necessary for regulatory preparations. However, TPLB also found that guards, some of whom were identified by appearance as belonging to Yanga SC, were involved in the incident of preventing Simba SC’s bus from entering the stadium.
TPLB stated that this action was contrary to the requirements of Rule 17:45 regarding Match Procedures. Furthermore, TPLB received a report from the match security officer detailing several incidents that occurred alongside Simba SC being unable to train, and some of these incidents required investigations that could not be completed in time.
Based on these findings – the incident of Simba SC being prevented from training, the involvement of individuals identified as Yanga personnel in blocking access contrary to Rule 17:45, the finding that Simba SC did not follow the necessary notification procedure for training, and the need for further investigation into accompanying security incidents – TPLB decided to postpone the match.
The postponement was made in accordance with Rule 34:1 (1.3) of the Premier League Regulations, which pertains to Match Postponement, in order to provide an opportunity to gather more information and make a fair decision. The postponement caused significant disruption and frustration among fans, many of whom had traveled long distances and incurred considerable expenses to attend the match.
The issue also highlighted existing challenges within the management and oversight of football in Tanzania, including concerns about the independence of the League Board, the adherence to regulations, and the handling of disputes involving prominent clubs like Simba SC and Yanga SC
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