Yanga vs Simba Match Postponed Due to Controversy

Yanga vs Simba Match Postponed Due to Controversy over Training Rights

Dar es Salaam, March 8, 2025

In a significant development in Tanzania's Premier League, the highly anticipated match between Yanga and Simba, scheduled for today, March 8, 2025, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, has been postponed. The decision follows Simba's protest against being denied the right to conduct their pre-match training at the stadium, which they claim is a violation of league regulations.

The Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) issued a statement confirming the postponement, stating that the decision was made to allow for further investigation into the matter. The controversy centers around Simba’s claim that they were obstructed from using the stadium for their final training session, despite regulations stipulating that visiting teams must have access to the venue at least once before match day for training.

According to TPLB's announcement, the league board took swift action after receiving a letter from Simba, expressing their intention to boycott the match due to the denial of this right, as outlined in Rule 17(45) of the Premier League's Match Procedures. The league then instructed match officials who witnessed the incident to submit reports on the situation.

"The Management and Operations Committee of the Tanzania Premier League Board, in a meeting held today, reviewed the matter regarding Simba's denial of access to Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for their training session before the match between Young Africans SC and Simba SC. Simba has raised concerns that their training rights, as per the league’s regulations, were denied, which prompted their decision to not participate in the game," the statement read.

Upon review, the committee found that Simba had failed to communicate their intentions with any relevant match official, the host team, or stadium authorities, which is a required procedure. The TPLB emphasized that no formal request was made for the training session, breaching league protocol.

The board further revealed that security reports indicated that some of the individuals involved in blocking Simba’s access to the stadium appeared to be affiliated with Yanga. This has raised concerns about the conduct of the security personnel involved.

Given the serious nature of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation, the TPLB invoked Rule 34.1(1.3), which permits the postponement of matches to allow for proper examination of such incidents. The board also mentioned that additional information from the security officers and other sources will be crucial in making a fair decision, and a complete report will be issued in due course.

If it is confirmed that Yanga’s security personnel played a role in blocking Simba’s training, disciplinary actions may be taken under Rule 47(1), which outlines penalties for clubs whose staff or supporters engage in misconduct. Such actions may include fines ranging from 5 million Tanzanian Shillings to 20 million, depending on the severity and recurrence of the offense.

Simba's potential boycott of the match is also subject to scrutiny under Rule 47(6), which could result in significant consequences, including a fine of 5 million Tanzanian Shillings and possible relegation for the club if they fail to attend the rescheduled match. Further disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against officials involved in the disruption.

Despite the ongoing dispute, Yanga's spokesperson, Ally Kamwe, confirmed that the team will proceed with their preparations for the scheduled match as initially planned. "The Yanga team will arrive at Mkapa Stadium at 11:00 AM for the planned preparations for the Kariakoo Derby match," Kamwe stated, affirming their commitment to the game.

The TPLB’s final decision on the match’s rescheduling will be determined after further investigation into the incident.