Tanzania government to 'adjudicate' on controversial premier league match

By Osoro Nyawangah, DAR ES SALAAM Tanzania

The Tanzania Premier League 2024/25 is at a crossroads after the deadlock caused by 'unwise' decisions made by the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) to postpone the league heavyweight match number 184 between Yanga SC and Simba SC, leading to government interference.

Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB)
Chairman, Steven Mnguto

The ‘Kariakoo Derby’ which was to be played on March 8, was postponed by the TPLB following the threat issued by Simba SC that they will boycott the match after being denied the opportunity to train at Benjamin Mkapa stadium the day before the match.

Yanga SC did not agree with the grounds for postponement of the match and sent the team to the stadium with the demand to be accorded with three points, insisting not to play the same match on other arranged date.

The TPBL decision drew sharp criticism from football stakeholders, who questioned whether the Board had followed the proper regulations in making its ruling.

Most football stakeholders demand for resignation of TPBL members while others insist that Yanga SC be accorded with three points, Simba SC be stripped of 15 points and others call for a re-match.

Due to the confusion caused by the TPLB that works under the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the Tanzanian government through the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports has summoned a meeting of the stakeholders to resolve the controversy to enable the league to continue.

Yanga SC have officially appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after expressing dissatisfaction on the matter.

According to information received on Monday March 24, 2025, the meeting will take place in Dar es Salaam on Thursday March 27. Officials from Yanga SC, Simba SC, TFF, and TPLB have been notified and will attend.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, confirmed that the meeting will be held in Dar es Salaam and will be conducted by Minister Kabudi.

A senior Young Africans official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the club’s participation in the meeting. 

“It is true that we will meet with Minister Professor Kabudi to discuss various issues, including the postponement of our match against Simba. We have received the official communication and will attend the meeting.” the official stated.

Currently, the two heavyweight teams are at the top of the league with Yanga SC leading the table having gathered 58 points from 22 matches played, with Simba SC following closely with 57 points.