Govt, Yanga & Simba Hold Talks Over Derby Dispute

Government Convenes Critical Meeting with Yanga, Simba, and League Board Over Kariakoo Derby Dispute

Dar es Salaam, March 27, 2025 — Tensions surrounding the Kariakoo Derby controversy have escalated, as government officials, football authorities, and representatives from Tanzania’s two most prominent football clubs—Yanga SC and Simba SC—gathered today for a pivotal meeting aimed at resolving the dispute.

The highly anticipated meeting, held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, was attended by key stakeholders including the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Professor Palamaganda Kabudi, delegates from the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB), the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), and club officials from both Yanga SC and Simba SC.

According to preliminary reports from local sports news sources, all parties had arrived at the stadium venue, with the exception of Simba SC representatives, whose session was scheduled for later in the day. Detailed information indicates that the meeting was divided into two phases—Yanga SC met with government officials first, while Simba SC was slated to hold its discussions later in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, outside the stadium, a group of Yanga SC supporters and club members staged a demonstration, voicing strong opposition to the meeting itself. The protestors, who had gathered at the stadium’s main gate, expressed their belief that the proceedings would not be in their club’s favor. They reiterated their stance that Yanga SC will not participate in any replay of the derby match, and urged their club leaders to uphold that position during negotiations.

Leading Yanga SC’s delegation was the club’s president, Engineer Hersi Said, who reaffirmed their non-negotiable stance. “Our position remains unchanged—we will not play another Kariakoo Derby match, even if government authorities insist on a rematch,” he declared.

As of the time of reporting, no final decision had been announced regarding the fate of the controversial fixture. Football stakeholders across Tanzania continue to await the outcome, which will determine whether the match will be replayed or if authorities will respect Yanga SC’s refusal to return to the pitch.