Kariakoo Derby: Moroccan referees appointed for high stakes duel

The Tanzania Premier League Board has appointed a team of match officials from Morocco to oversee today’s highly anticipated Kariakoo Derby between Simba Sports Club and Young Africans Sports Club at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium.

The match, scheduled to kick off at 6:00 PM, is expected to draw nationwide attention as the two giants face off in a crucial fixture in the NBC Premier League title race.

Confirming the development on Saturday, May 2, 2026, Premier League Board Communications Officer Karim Boimanda explained that the decision to appoint foreign referees was made in accordance with league regulations and not at the request of any club.

“The referees were not appointed based on a request from any club. The regulations allow the committee to make such decisions. When the committee sees the need, it can choose to use either local or foreign referees depending on its assessment,” said Boimanda.

The officiating team will be led by Moroccan center referee Hamza El Fareq, who will be assisted by Lahsen Agaou, Hamza Massiri and Mustapha Kechaf, all also from Morocco. Their appointment reflects the league’s continued efforts to ensure neutrality and consistency in high-profile fixtures.

 

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Boimanda also provided important matchday logistics, noting that stadium gates will open at 1:00 PM to allow for smooth entry of fans. He emphasized that only supporters with valid match tickets will be permitted inside the venue, with strict security measures in place.

“Only fans with tickets will be allowed to enter the stadium, and we urge supporters to follow all guidelines to ensure a safe and orderly matchday experience,” he added.

More on the decision to use foreign officials for Kariakoo Derby

This will not be the first time the Kariakoo Derby is officiated by foreign referees. In their most recent meeting during the Muungano Cup final, the match was handled by Kenyan referee Dickens Nyagrowa. Similarly, a previous league encounter between the two sides in the 2024/25 season was officiated by Egyptian referee Amin Mohamed Amin.

The continued use of international referees in such high stakes matches is seen as part of broader efforts to enhance fairness and maintain balance in officiating, particularly given the intense rivalry and pressure surrounding the fixture.

League authorities have maintained that the move is not a reflection of any shortcomings among Tanzanian referees, but rather a strategic decision aimed at ensuring objectivity in matches of this magnitude.

With both teams in strong form and the title race finely poised, the spotlight will not only be on the players but also on the officiating team tasked with maintaining control in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.

As kickoff approaches, anticipation continues to build across Dar es Salaam and beyond, with fans eager to witness another dramatic chapter in one of East Africa’s biggest football rivalries.