Simba Withdraws from Yanga Match After Training Denied

Simba Sports Club Withdraws from Yanga Match Following Dispute Over Training Rights

March 8, 2025 – Dar es Salaam

Simba Sports Club has officially announced its decision to withdraw from the scheduled Premier League match against Yanga on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The withdrawal comes after the club was denied the right to conduct their final training session at the venue, an action they deem a violation of league regulations.

In an official statement released by Simba at 7:00 PM on March 8, the club expressed its dissatisfaction with what it termed "uncivilized acts" that hindered their preparations for the match. According to the club, the denial of access to the stadium for training, despite being at the venue within the permitted time, constitutes a breach of the league's rules.

Simba’s statement further clarified that, as per Regulation 17(45) of the 2024 Premier League Rules, visiting teams are entitled to one training session at the match venue before the game, at a time that aligns with the scheduled match. Despite arriving on time, Simba was informed by the stadium manager that no training could take place without instructions from the match commissioner. After the commissioner’s arrival, Simba's delegation faced further disruption, with individuals alleged to be Yanga’s security forcibly preventing the team from conducting their session.

Simba made several attempts to resolve the situation but after more than two hours, the club opted to leave the stadium, citing safety concerns. These actions were documented for future reference.

As a result of these incidents, Simba has decided to withdraw from the match entirely, preserving all of its rights. The club has called for appropriate disciplinary actions against all involved parties and urges the authorities to address the matter in accordance with league procedures.

The issue draws comparisons to a similar situation in 2021, where Yanga also boycotted a match against Simba after a last-minute change to the match time, which they claimed violated league regulations.

Simba's withdrawal leaves the match in question unresolved, with the club awaiting the league's response.

Key Points from Simba's Statement:

• Simba Sports Club was denied the right to train at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium ahead of the match, despite following the scheduled time.
• The incident escalated with security personnel from Yanga preventing Simba's entry to the stadium, leading to a safety-related departure.
• Simba references Regulation 17(45) of the Premier League, which ensures visiting teams have the right to one training session at the venue before match day.
• The club has withdrawn from the match, citing violation of league rules and is calling for disciplinary action against those responsible.