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Yanga face Sh600 miilion loss if they do not show up against Simba
What you need to know:
- The Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has confirmed that the postponed fixture, originally set for March 8, will now be played on June 15 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga SC) are at risk of losing a staggering Sh600 million if they refuse to play their rescheduled Mainland Tanzania Premier League match against bitter rivals Simba SC.
The Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has confirmed that the postponed fixture, originally set for March 8, will now be played on June 15 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The match was postponed after Simba declined to play, claiming they were denied access to the venue for their mandatory pre-match training session.
Despite the new date being set, Yanga have insisted that the match should not be played.
The club maintains that they should be awarded a 3-0 walkover victory, as Simba failed to appear for the original fixture (match number 184), citing a violation of league regulations.
Yanga’s refusal to play the rescheduled match could prove costly.
If they do not show up on June 15, league regulations dictate that they will forfeit 15 points—an outcome that would not only see them drop to second or even third place, depending on the results of their final two matches against Tanzania Prisons and Dodoma Jiji FC, but also hand the league title to Simba.
In terms of financial implications, Yanga would lose Sh500 million in prize money awarded by Azam Media Limited, the league’s official broadcast partner.
Additionally, they would forfeit Sh100 million from the National Bank of Commerce (NBC), the league’s main sponsor.
This totals to a Sh600 million loss, not including the prestige and bragging rights that come with lifting the league trophy.
Losing the title under such circumstances would be a devastating blow to Yanga’s morale, especially considering the effort the team has put in throughout the season.
Fans and stakeholders have expressed concern, urging both clubs and league officials to resolve the dispute in the interest of fair play and sportsmanship.
As the countdown to June 15 continues, all eyes will be on Yanga’s next move.
Whether they stand their ground or take to the pitch will determine not only the fate of the trophy, but also the club’s financial and sporting legacy this season.
