All eyes on Women’s Community Shield kickoff

DAR ES SALAAM: THE stage is set, the squads are primed and the countdown is over — the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has officially unveiled the 2025/26 Women’s Community Shield fixtures, kicking off the new season with a blockbuster double-header at Dar es Salaam’s KMC Complex today.

This isn’t just the curtainraiser. This is the first statement of intent in what promises to be a thrilling season of women’s football.

Four of Tanzania’s finest clubs will battle for early bragging rights, silverware and a chance to stamp their authority from the first whistle.

The day begins with an enticing clash between Simba Queens, last season’s league runners-up and the fearless underdogs Mashujaa FC.

Simba come into the match with fire in their boots and something to prove. Known for their clinical attack, possession play and winning pedigree, the Queens will be eager to seize control of the title race early. However, Mashujaa are no strangers to upsets.

Gritty, unrelenting and well-drilled, they have made a habit of punching above their weight.

The evening brings the main event — a high-voltage encounter between the defending champions JKT Queens and a rejuvenated Yanga Princess outfit on the rise. Yanga, fresh off a solid third-place finish last season, arrive with momentum and belief.

With exciting young talent and a renewed tactical approach, they are eyeing a statement victory to announce themselves as serious contenders.

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But standing in their way are the unbeaten queens of East Africa. JKT not only clinched last season’s Community Shield and Premier League titles, but also recently triumphed at the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers in Nairobi — cementing their status as the gold standard in the region.

Can Yanga break through the wall of champions, or will JKT simply prove too powerful once again? Winners of today’s matches will advance to the Community Shield Final on October 12 while the losers will play in the third-place playoff earlier that same day.

It is a compact competition where every touch, tackle and goal matters. There is no room for error and momentum is everything.

While technically a season opener, the Women’s Community Shield is far more than ceremonial.

It symbolises the meteoric rise of women’s football in Tanzania a celebration of talent, tenacity and the evolution of the women’s game from the fringes to centre stage.

As the floodlights beam down on the KMC Complex, one thing is certain, the 2025/26 Women’s Premier League season is beginning with a bang.

Whether you are in the stands or following from afar, this is a day that promises drama, ambition and unmissable football.