Why TPLB postpones league matches involving Yanga, Simba

Dar es Salaam. Football giants Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba SC have a reason to smile after the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) decided to postpone their upcoming Mainland league fixtures.

Simba were set to travel to Mwanza on November 21 to meet Pamba Jiji FC at the CCM Kirumba Stadium at 4.15pm, while Yanga were scheduled to host Fountain Gate FC at the Azam Complex at 6pm.

However, TPLB has postponed both matches, giving the two clubs additional time to prepare for their upcoming continental assignments.

On November 26, Yanga will be facing Al-Hilal Omdurman of Sudan in the CAF Champions League, and Simba will be in action two days later against Bravos do Maquis of Angola in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Both teams will this time need to focus on their continental ambitions and ensure their players are fully prepared for these crucial fixtures.

Speaking on the decision, TPLB Chief Executive Officer Almasy Kasongo confirmed that the matches had been postponed due to the FIFA international window.

He said Yanga and Simba have many players featuring for their respective national teams and that due to travelling procedures they would not be able to arrive on time in Tanzania to work for their clubs in the league matches.

“The FIFA international dates end on November 19, and it would be difficult for players who are away with their national teams to return in time for their league fixtures scheduled for November 21,” said Kasongo.

He added that the TPLB made the decision to safeguard the welfare of the players, ensuring they have adequate rest and preparations for both the Mainland league and the CAF fixtures.

The body’s official clarified that the decision was not just to provide extra preparation time for the CAF competitions, as some have speculated, but rather to accommodate the international commitments of players.

“The league matches will be rescheduled to a later date that is suitable for both Yanga and Simba. Our aim is to ensure that all teams play their matches on parallel timelines, so no team is at a disadvantage,” he said.

He assured fans that the new dates for the postponed fixtures would be announced shortly.

This decision has been well-received, as it allows both teams to focus on their African campaigns and maintain their readiness for the challenges ahead in the CAF competitions.