Simba SC versus Young Africans Kariakoo derby gets Moroccan officials

The eagerly-awaited Kariakoo derby between Tanzania Mainland Premier League rivals Simba SC and Young Africans SC, scheduled to be played on May 3, at the Meja Isamuyo Stadium, will be officiated by Moroccan referees.

According to the referee’s schedule seen by Pan-Africa Football, the referee will be Hamza El Faruq, assisted by Lahsene Azkawi as the first assistant and Hamza El Nasri as the second assistant.

The position of reserve referee (fourth official) will be handled by Mostafa Kchaaf. The derby will be number 169 of the NBC Premier League season 2025-26.

Simba will be the home team

The move to bring in international referees appears to be aimed at ensuring that the game is played with transparency, fairness and the highest level of professionalism, given the size and fierce rivalry between the two oldest teams in the country.

Football fans in the country are eagerly awaiting the game which always generates fierce competition and high emotions on and off the field.

The decision to have foreign match officials fixture comes just a few days after the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) announced change of venue for the second-round fixture.

The derby, which was previously to be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, will now be held at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, located in Dar es Salaam.

The change is due to the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium being under renovation, which forced the organisers to find an alternative to ensure the match takes place at the scheduled time.

Derby for Major General Isamuhyo Stadium

The derby will be played on May 3, starting at 6pm (E.A.T). TPLB further stated all clubs and other stakeholders in the league have already been informed of the change, while preparations are underway to ensure the game is played at the best level that meets the status of the league.

Responding to the changes, Simba Media Officer, Ahmed Ally explained the reasons why the Kariakoo derby was moved to the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium instead of Benjamin Mkapa.

Ally said the initial agreement between both clubs, along with the football authorities and the government, was for a big match like the derby to be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Simba will be seeking to get a win and close in on their rivals, who have already opened a five-point gap at the top of the table. Young Africans have 47 points, while Simba are second with 42.