From Msimbazi to Jangwani: Mwalimu transfer saga that won’t go away

DAR ES SALAAM: THE transfer window has entered its final stretch, but in the Mainland Premier League, the biggest stories are rarely complete until the final whistle. And just when it appeared that Simba had made one of their intentions clear, Selemani Mwalimu changed the script.

Only days after Simba and Young Africans celebrated their respective club days, Simba marking 90 years and Young Africans 91, both giants unveiled their squads for the coming season.

Then came the Mwalimu announcement.

Simba’s Communication and Media Manager, Ahmed Ally, released news that the striker was on his way to Dar es Salaam from Casablanca.

A video followed, with Mwalimu himself declaring his allegiance to Simba.

It appeared straightforward.

Or so everyone thought. Within 48 hours, Dar es Salaam was stunned.

Young Africans announced that they had reached an agreement with Mwalimu.

Soon afterwards came the images that ended the speculation: the player alongside the Young Africans president Hersi Said, signing for the club.

From Msimbazi to Jangwani in the space of a few days.

For Simba supporters, it was a difficult twist to absorb.

On Saturday, Mwalimu had appeared to be speaking as a Simba player.

By Tuesday, he was wearing the colours of their fiercest rivals. That is the nature of the transfer market; until the paperwork is completed, nothing is guaranteed.

Mwalimu’s situation was particularly intriguing because Wydad Casablanca had loaned him to Simba during the previous campaign.

There had been indications that his stay could continue, but circumstances changed and the player was recalled to Casablanca before making an appearance for Simba in the Kagame Cup.

Young Africans ultimately secured his services on loan for the 2026/27 season.

The move has once again opened an old chapter in Tanzanian football: players crossing the great divide between Msimbazi and Jangwani.

It is certainly not new.

In recent years, the rivalry has seen several players make the journey in both directions. Bernard Morrison moved from Young Africans to Simba before returning to Jangwani.

Mohamed Hussein also made the move from Simba to Young Africans. Clatous Chama crossed from Simba to Young Africans and later returned to Simba.

And the list stretches further back. Emmanuel Okwi, Amissi Tambwe, Haruna Niyonzima, Saido Ntibazonkiza, Mrisho Ngasa, Beno Kakolanya, Juma Kaseja, Jonas Mkude, Kelvin Yondani and Gadiel Michael are among the players who have, at different times, been associated with both sides of Tanzania’s biggest football rivalry.

Each transfer carries its own circumstances, but the reaction is often the same: support- ers struggle to separate the player from the badge.

That is what makes transfers between Simba and Young Africans different from ordinary moves. A player is not simply changing employers.

He is crossing a footballing divide that has been built over generations. Mwalimu’s case, however, brought another element into the equation: timing.

The story unfolded so quickly that supporters barely had time to process one announcement before the next arrived.

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First, Simba. Then, Mwalimu. Then, Young Africans. Then, the signing. The result was one of the most unexpected twists of the transfer window.

And with only 48 hours remaining before the transfer market closes, the obvious question is no longer whether Mwalimu’s move will be the last surprise. It is whether another one is coming.

The Mainland Premier League has 16 clubs, but much of the transfer spotlight inevitably falls on Msimbazi and Jangwani.

Yet the remaining 14 clubs are also making moves, strengthening squads and searching for players capable of changing their fortunes.

The final hours could therefore produce more than one headline.

For now, Mwalimu’s journey from Casablanca to Dar es Salaam and, ultimately, from the expected destination of Msimbazi to Jangwani stands as a reminder of one simple rule of the transfer market: Nothing is done until it is done. With the clock ticking, Tanzania’s transfer window still has time for one more twist.