Postponement of Yanga-Simba derby ignored its wider impact
What you need to know:
- When international visitors travel to Tanzania to watch high-profile matches like Yanga vs Simba, what message do we send when such events are abruptly cancelled? Have we considered the broader economic impact on vendors, sponsors and the hospitality industry?
As a staunch supporter of Young Africans Sports Club (Yanga), I must begin by acknowledging my personal interest in the team.
However, as an academic philosopher and ethicist, I have always strived to maintain objectivity when analysing matters of rules, ethics and principles. My approach to this discussion on the postponement of the derby pitting Yanga against bitter rivals Simba Sports Club is, therefore, grounded in logical reasoning rather than personal bias.
In a previous article titled “Why shouldn’t Yanga become my religion?” (published in The Citizen on September 2, 2023), I explored how football fandom can be likened to religious devotion. Fans are willing to invest their time, money and emotions into the sport, some even risking their lives for the sake of their teams. The passion surrounding football is undeniable, making it more than just a game; it is an emotional, social and economic phenomenon.
The decision to postpone the much-anticipated derby originally scheduled for March 8, 2025 without substantial or natural justification raises significant ethical and philosophical concerns. Football is not just a form of entertainment; it is an investment, a source of happiness and, at times, a trigger for disappointment, conflict, or even violence. With football being the most popular sport globally, its impact extends far beyond the pitch; it influences social, economic, political, and even religious spheres.
Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus famously used the metaphor of public festivals and games to illustrate that “life is a spectacle where different roles exist, but the spectators hold significant value”. In the context of football, this means that fans, tourists and business stakeholders are just as important – if not more important – than club executives or league officials. Decisions affecting the game should, therefore, be made with careful consideration of their impact on the majority.
When football administrators face dilemmas, their guiding principle should be the balance of harm and benefit to the wider community. Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) officials may argue that they exercised busara (prudence) in postponing the match, but one must question whether their decision was truly wise.
In Swahili, busara and hekima are often used interchangeably to mean wisdom, yet they carry distinct meanings. Hekima (true wisdom) stems from logical reasoning, whereas busara is based on experience and precedent.
Ethical philosophy, particularly consequentialism, teaches us that actions should be evaluated based on their outcomes. By this measure, the postponement of the derby has not merely deprived fans of a single event but has significantly impacted time, money and social interactions for all involved.
Football decisions are often left solely in the hands of sports associations, with little government intervention. This lack of oversight has, at times, resulted in decisions driven by favouritism, club pressures, or financial interests rather than ethical considerations. There is a clear need for ethical and professional institutions to step in and hold decision-makers accountable for actions that negatively affect fans, businesses and the economy at large.
Football is not just about entertainment; it is a key driver of tourism and economic activity. When international visitors travel to Tanzania to watch high-profile matches like Yanga vs Simba, what message do we send when such events are abruptly cancelled? Have we considered the broader economic impact on vendors, sponsors and the hospitality industry?
It is high time we demonstrated professionalism and accountability in our sports management, ensuring that all decisions align with established rules and procedures rather than personal or political interests.
The future of Tanzanian football and its role in the nation’s economic and social well-being depends on the integrity and wisdom of those in charge.
Let us strive for a system where professionalism prevails, ensuring that the interests of fans, investors and the country’s economy are always prioritised.
Jackson Juma Coy is an Assistant Lecturer of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam
