Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) have completed a dramatic move to sign Tanzania international striker Selemani Mwalimu on loan from Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, in a transfer that has sent shockwaves through the country’s football landscape.
The move comes just days after Mwalimu had been announced by arch-rivals Simba as part of their squad for the 2026/27 season.
However, the deal subsequently collapsed, allowing Yanga to step in and secure the highly rated forward.
Mwalimu had spent the pre-season with Simba and was publicly presented as a new signing by the club.
However, Wydad reportedly objected to the announcement after the two sides failed to finalise the terms of his loan arrangement.
The development opened the door for Yanga, who moved quickly to reach an agreement with Wydad and secure the striker’s services.
The 20-year-old forward has emerged as one of Tanzania’s promising attacking players.
He has also represented the national team and featured prominently for Simba during the 2025/26 campaign.
Mwalimu’s performances for Simba included a brace in their 3-1 victory over Dodoma Jiji in the league, underlining his ability to make an impact in the final third.
His arrival is expected to strengthen Yanga’s attacking options as the club prepares for another demanding domestic and continental campaign.
The transfer also adds another intriguing chapter to the rivalry between Yanga and Simba, particularly because Mwalimu had appeared set to continue with Simba before the move was derailed.
The striker’s future had been the subject of uncertainty since his return from his previous loan spell, with Wydad retaining his registration rights.
Reports earlier this year indicated that the Moroccan club intended to have him return rather than allow Simba to make his temporary stay permanent.
Yanga’s successful intervention has now changed the course of the player’s career in Tanzania, with Mwalimu set to wear the green and yellow colours after his unexpected departure from Simba.
The move is also significant for Yanga coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who will have another attacking option as he seeks to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
For Mwalimu, the switch presents an opportunity to continue his development at one of Tanzania’s biggest clubs while competing for domestic honours and continental success.
The transfer is likely to attract considerable attention given the circumstances surrounding his move.
What initially appeared to be a continuation of his spell at Simba has instead ended with the young striker crossing the Dar es Salaam divide to join their fiercest rivals.
