Simba SC to honour Kariakoo Derby against Young Africans in Zanzibar

After Simba SC had earlier threatened to oppose the decision by sworn rivals Young Africans to take their Mainland Premier League derby to Zanzibar, the club’s Media Officer Ahmed Ally has confirmed they will honour the game.

While the Kariakoo derby as always been staged at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Young Africans, who will be the host team for the first-round meeting of the current campaign, have shifted the eagerly-awaited game to New Amaan Stadium.

Simba responded by threatening to boycott the derby. However, Ally has confirmed the Msimbazi Reds will travel to Zanzibar to honour the derby.

Simba not underdogs in anyway

“We are going to the derby. Why wouldn’t we go when the match has been scheduled? We have no problem. The match is on and we will travel,” said Ally as quoted by the Guardian.

“When the time comes, we will speak more about it. We are not underdogs in any way. Yanga have created pressure and are now afraid of it themselves. Simba have no concerns.

“We will finish these two matches and then prepare properly – and we will not approach this game the way we usually do.”

Board explains decision to change venue

Earlier, Tanzania Premier League Board, through its information officer Karim Boimanda, clarified the reasons for moving the fixture to Zanzibar.

“The only reason for relocating the match was that Benjamin Mkapa Stadium had other commitments on that date,” he said.

“There is a regulation which addresses venue matters and clearly states that in exceptional or emergency circumstances where the home team’s stadium is unavailable or faces challenges, the club must inform the League Board or propose an alternative venue.”

He added: “Once the League Board receives that communication, it proceeds with its administrative process, including verifying that the proposed venue meets regulatory standards.”

The derby will be played on March 1.

Simba vs Young Africans Derby Set for Zanzibar After Initial Boycott Threat

The highly anticipated Simba vs Young Africans derby will go ahead as scheduled in Zanzibar after Simba SC confirmed they will honour the fixture despite earlier threatening to boycott the match.

The Mainland Premier League clash, traditionally staged at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, has been moved to the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. Young Africans (Yanga), who are the designated home team for the first-round meeting of the current campaign, made the decision to relocate the fixture.

The announcement initially sparked controversy, with Simba SC expressing dissatisfaction and hinting at the possibility of not travelling for the derby. However, the club’s Media Officer Ahmed Ally has now confirmed that the Msimbazi Reds will participate.

Simba vs Young Africans Derby: Simba Dismiss Underdog Label

Speaking about the upcoming Simba vs Young Africans derby, Ahmed Ally made it clear that Simba have no intention of avoiding the showdown.

“We are going to the derby. Why wouldn’t we go when the match has been scheduled? We have no problem. The match is on and we will travel,” Ally said.

He further dismissed any perception that Simba are disadvantaged by the venue change.

“We are not underdogs in any way. Yanga have created pressure and are now afraid of it themselves. Simba have no concerns.”

Ally also suggested that the team would approach the game differently this time around.

“We will finish these two matches and then prepare properly — and we will not approach this game the way we usually do.”

His comments indicate that Simba are taking the encounter seriously and are determined to deliver a strong performance despite the venue controversy.

Why the Simba vs Young Africans Derby Was Moved to Zanzibar

The Tanzania Premier League Board has clarified the reasons behind relocating the Simba vs Young Africans derby to Zanzibar.

According to the league’s Information Officer, Karim Boimanda, the decision was purely logistical.

“The only reason for relocating the match was that Benjamin Mkapa Stadium had other commitments on that date,” Boimanda explained.

He further referenced league regulations that allow for venue changes under exceptional circumstances.

“There is a regulation which addresses venue matters and clearly states that in exceptional or emergency circumstances where the home team’s stadium is unavailable, the club must inform the League Board or propose an alternative venue.”

Boimanda added that the League Board conducted the necessary administrative checks before approving the switch.

“Once the League Board receives that communication, it proceeds with its administrative process, including verifying that the proposed venue meets regulatory standards.”

New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar was subsequently approved as a compliant alternative venue.

What the Zanzibar Venue Means for the Derby

The Simba vs Young Africans derby is one of the fiercest rivalries in East African football, commonly referred to as the Kariakoo derby. Traditionally played in Dar es Salaam, moving the fixture to Zanzibar adds a unique dimension to the contest.

For Zanzibar fans, the decision offers a rare opportunity to witness one of Tanzania’s biggest football spectacles on home soil. The venue shift could also impact match dynamics, including travel logistics, crowd atmosphere, and pitch conditions.

However, both teams are expected to enjoy significant fan support given the nationwide popularity of the rivalry.

March 1 Showdown Promises High Stakes

The derby is scheduled for March 1, and anticipation continues to build across Tanzania.

The Simba vs Young Africans derby carries significant implications in the Mainland Premier League title race, as both clubs traditionally compete for top honours.

Beyond league standings, the match represents pride, history, and regional dominance.

With the boycott threat now resolved and official confirmation that Simba will travel, attention shifts fully to preparations on the pitch.

The stage is set for what promises to be an electric encounter in Zanzibar — one that could add another dramatic chapter to one of Africa’s most intense football rivalries.