Transfer ‘war’ as Yanga challenge Simba for Tshabalala’s signature
What you need to know:
- Simba have made it clear that they are still keen to retain Tshabalala’s services for the upcoming season. The club has held preliminary talks with the player and hopes to convince him to extend his stay. But Yanga’s growing financial muscle and ambition — especially after beating Simba to Conté’s signature, could sway the defender.
Dar es Salaam. The fierce transfer rivalry between Tanzania’s football giants, Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba SC, has intensified following Yanga’s successful hijack of Balla Moussa Conté from Tunisian side CS Sfaxien.
Now, the Jangwani-based club has turned its attention to a much bigger prize — Simba’s long-serving captain and left-back, Mohamed "Tshabalala" Hussein (pictured).
Currently with the Taifa Stars in Ismailia, Egypt, where the national team is preparing for the CHAN 2025 finals, Tshabalala has yet to renew his contract with Simba after it expired at the end of last season.
Unlike in previous years, when renewals were swift, the experienced defender has requested more time before committing his future, opening a window of opportunity for Yanga and other interested clubs. Yanga is looking to bolster its left-back position after releasing Nickson Kibabage, who is reportedly set to join Singida Black Stars.
At the moment, the position is manned by Congolese player Shadrack Boka, but the club is keen to add a local player who can rotate or provide depth in that area. Tshabalala, with years of top-flight experience, fits the profile perfectly. However, this won’t be an easy acquisition.
Simba have made it clear that they are still keen to retain Tshabalala’s services for the upcoming season.
The club has held preliminary talks with the player and hopes to convince him to extend his stay. But Yanga’s growing financial muscle and ambition — especially after beating Simba to Conté’s signature, could sway the defender.
This is not the first time Yanga has shown interest in Tshabalala. Transfer rumors linking the club to the defender have circulated for several seasons, though a deal never materialized. With his contract now lapsed, Yanga may finally have a genuine chance to secure his services without the need for transfer negotiations.
Yanga’s recent transfer strategy underlines its aggressive pursuit of dominance in the Tanzanian Premier League and on the continental stage.
Snatching players from their fiercest rivals is both a tactical and psychological move, aiming to weaken Simba while reinforcing their own ranks. Whether Tshabalala remains at Simba or switches to the Jangwani outfit, this latest saga adds another chapter to the ever-heated rivalry between Tanzania’s footballing powerhouses.
