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.