Confusion again as TPLB moves Yanga vs Simba Kariakoo derby to new date

Photo Credit - Young Africans Sports Club.

In another twist of events that may not go augur well with Simba SC, the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) have once again moved the Mainland Premier League Kariakoo derby against rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) to a new date: June 25.

This is the second time the highly anticipated fixture between the Tanzanian rivals has been rescheduled since it was initially called off on March 8, 2025. The change followed a complaint lodged by Simba, leading to the derby being moved to June 15.

However, TPLB have now issued another date, coming just a day after Simba warned the Board that they will not play the fixture number 184 if it is not played on Sunday, June 15, as planned.

In a letter from TPLB seen by Pan-Africa Football it confirmed the changes by saying: “TPLB has pushed the match number 184 of the NBC Premier League between Yanga and Simba, which was planned for Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on June 15, from 5pm.

Statement from TPLB pushing derby again.

“The game will now be played on June 25, at the same venue, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, and will kick-off at the same time, 5pm. The Board wishes both teams good preparation heading into the game.”

Earlier on Friday, Simba made it very clear in a statement that they will not play the derby again this season if it is not staged on Sunday. In a story covered by Pan-Africa Football, Simba said in their statement: “Simba SC wishes to inform their members and fans that they will be at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday, June 15, ready to take part in the number 184 league fixture as it was planned by TPLB.

“Any efforts to try and postpone the derby is breaking rules governing the sport in regards to running of football in the country. On that note, Simba will not participate in any number 184 match, apart from the one which is planned for Sunday, June 15.

“We urge our fans, and members to turn out in large numbers and fill Benjamin Mkapa on Sunday, June 15, for the important day, and be able to support the team during the derby against Yanga.”

The first derby between the two sides, which was scheduled for March 8, was called off just hours before kick-off after Simba lodged a formal complaint, alleging that they were barred from accessing Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for their final training session.

Yanga have taken to their social media platforms to confirm they will be ready to play Simba on June 25, while the Msimbazi Reds are yet to respond to the latest statement from TPLB.

As well as the derby, Yanga’s remaining fixtures include an away match against Tanzania Prisons at Sokoine Stadium on June 18, and a final home game against Dodoma Jiji at Azam Complex on June 22.

Meanwhile, Simba have upcoming matches against KenGold at Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium on June 18 and Kagera Sugar on June 22, at KMC Stadium. Yanga are currently topping the table with 73 points, while Simba are second on 72 points.