Yanga maintain stand not to face Simba without grievances addressed
What you need to know:
The meeting, which began at 10am, was convened to specifically address issues surrounding the Yanga against Simba clash scheduled for June 15, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium
Dar es Salaam. Defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) have reaffirmed their decision not to participate in the much-anticipated Tanzania Mainland Premier League match number 184 against archrivals Simba Sports Club, unless their grievances are addressed.
This declaration follows a meeting between Yanga's leadership and the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB), held today, June 9, 2025, at the TPLB offices located in the NSSF Mafao House building, Dar es Salaam.
The meeting, which began at 10am, was convened to specifically address issues surrounding the Yanga against Simba clash scheduled for June 15, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
In an official statement, the Jangwani Street-based club reiterated their stance, stating that they will not feature in the derby unless the concerns they previously submitted are addressed formally.
“Our Club’s leadership honored the invitation and attended the meeting,” the statement reads.
“After several hours of discussions, our leaders presented our official position: we will not participate in match number 184 unless our submitted concerns are addressed in writing.”
Yanga’s firm position now casts serious doubt over the fate of the highly anticipated clash.
The derby between Yanga and Simba, commonly referred to as the "Kariakoo Derby," is one of the most significant fixtures on the Tanzanian football calendar, drawing massive fan turnout, extensive media coverage, and high commercial value.
Although the club did not disclose specific details regarding the concerns raised, it is clear the issues are weighty enough for Yanga to consider withdrawing from the encounter altogether.
The club emphasized that this decision was not made lightly, highlighting the need for their demands to be addressed not just for their benefit, but for the advancement of football in Tanzania as a whole.
“We wish the Premier League Board and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) all the best in addressing our demands, which hold great importance for the future development of football in Tanzania,” Yanga said in the statement.
This unfolding situation has left fans, stakeholders, and football analysts with more questions than answers. With just days remaining before the scheduled June 15 showdown, clarity is urgently needed to determine whether the match will proceed as planned, be postponed, or face cancellation.
As the countdown to June 15 continues, all eyes are now on the Tanzania Premier League Board and the Tanzania Football Federation to see whether a solution can be reached in time to save what is considered the crown jewel of the local football season.
