Simba vow not to honour rescheduled Kariakoo derby if not played on Sunday

Photo Credit - Simba SC Tanzania.

Simba SC have vowed not to play the rescheduled Mainland Premier League Kariakoo derby against Young Africans (Yanga SC) this season if it is not played as planned at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Sunday.

The eagerly-awaited second round derby looks likely to face its second postponement, after Yanga issued a statement to the Tanzanian Premier League Board (TPLB) and Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) saying they will not participate in the number 184 fixture until four of their raised demands are discussed and resolved.

The Msimbazi Reds have now maintained their stand that they will be at Benjamin Mkapa on Sunday, and if the league derby will not be played as planned, TPLB and TFF should forget rescheduling the fixture for the third time, as they will not honour it this season.

“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,” read part of the statement from Simba seen by Pan-Africa Football.

Simba SC's latest statement.

“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.

Simba went further to accuse individuals allegedly linked to Yanga for blocking their use of the venue, prompting the TPLB to issue a last-minute matchday postponement - a decision that incensed Young Africans’ leadership.

In a recent statement, the defending champions Yanga stood firm on their decision not to participate in the upcoming derby against rivals Simba unless their unresolved demands are addressed.

As well as the derby, Yanga’s remaining league 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.