Women’s League kicks off today
DAR ES SALAAM: THE 2025/26 Mainland Women’s Premier League kicks off today with matches scheduled at four venues across the country, marking the start of another thrilling season of women’s football in Tanzania.
The league, which runs from November to May next year, opens with Geita Queens hosting Ceasiaa Queens at Nyankumbu Girls Stadium in Geita.
In other fixtures, Simba Queens face Bilo Queens at the Kinondoni Municipal Council grounds in Dar es Salaam, while Alliance Girls meet Fountain Gate Princess at Nyamagana Stadium in Mwanza.
Yanga Princess will be away to Ruangwa Queens at Majaliwa Stadium in Lindi.
This season’s competition features 12 teams, up from 10 last year, reflecting the steady growth of women’s football nationwide.
JKT Queens return as defending champions, with arch-rivals Simba Queens, last season’s runners-up, expected to mount a strong challenge.
The two sides have dominated the league in recent years — JKT Queens lifting the title in 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024, while Simba Queens triumphed in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023.
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Mlandizi Queens, champions in 2016, who were later relegated in 2022 before making a comeback last season but unfortunately at the end of the season were delegated again.
Mwanza Region will be represented by Alliance Girls and Bilo Queens, while Dar es Salaam fields four teams: Yanga Princess, Simba Queens, Tausi Queens and JKT Queens.
Other teams in the mix include Ceasiaa Queens (Iringa), Ruangwa Queens (Lindi), Geita Queens (Geita), Bunda Queens (Mara), Fountain Gate Queens (Dodoma) and Mashujaa Queens (Kigoma).
Bilo Queens, Ruangwa Queens, Tausi Queens, and Geita Queens have been promoted to the Premier League, replacing Mlandizi Queens and Gets Program, who were relegated last season.
