Dar es Salaam — After months of uncertainty and heated disagreements, the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has officially announced a new date for the highly anticipated NBC Premier League showdown between archrivals Yanga SC and Simba SC.
The match, which has faced multiple postponements amid ongoing tensions between the clubs and stakeholders, will now take place on June 25, 2025, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 PM.
Originally slated for March 8, 2025, the derby was postponed after Simba SC requested a delay, claiming they were denied access to the stadium for official pre-match training.
Yanga SC rejected the justification, accusing Simba of attempting to disrupt their momentum and demanded the match be awarded to them by walkover, citing league regulations.
Despite Yanga’s protests, the TPLB reviewed the situation and approved the postponement—a move that sparked a prolonged dispute between the two clubs.
In an attempt to resolve the standoff, the TPLB proposed rescheduling the match for July 15, but Yanga SC declined, expressing dissatisfaction with the way the March postponement had been handled.
The club argued that the decision lacked transparency and disrupted their preparations and competitive rhythm.
Following weeks of negotiations and back-and-forth discussions, all parties finally reached a consensus.
In an official statement released on June 13, 2025, the TPLB declared:
“The Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has rescheduled match number 184 of the NBC Premier League between Yanga and Simba, which was originally set to take place at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on June 15, 2025, at 11:00 PM.
The match will now be held on June 25, 2025, at the same venue and kickoff time.”
The Board also extended its best wishes to both clubs as they prepare for the high-stakes encounter.
While the TPLB did not publicly disclose the specific reasons for the latest date change, reliable sources suggest that logistical challenges, security coordination, and broadcast preparations were among the contributing factors.
The revised date allows more time to ensure smooth operations for what is not just a football match, but a major cultural and social event in Tanzania.
Known as the Kariakoo Derby, the game attracts over 60,000 fans to the stadium and millions more who tune in via television, radio, and online platforms.
With both clubs vying for the NBC Premier League title, the outcome of this match could significantly impact the championship race.
Yanga SC will look to stars Pacôme Zouzoua and Clement Mzize to lead the charge, while Simba SC will count on Kibu Denis, Leonel Ateba, and Charles Jean Ahoua to spearhead their attack.
Fan anticipation is building rapidly, with ticket sales expected to open soon. Organizers are forecasting a sell-out crowd, and additional arrangements are being made to ensure international broadcast coverage.
The updated fixture also provides the TPLB and its partners with time to strengthen security, streamline ticketing, and organize fan engagement events in the lead-up to match day.
Football analysts and officials have commended the TPLB’s latest decision as a sign of improved coordination and governance.
“This decision shows maturity and coordination,” said one TPLB official on condition of anonymity.
“Both clubs had to make tough compromises, but in the end, this is a win for Tanzanian football and its fans.”
