Rebuilding the contenders: Yanga, Simba and Azam lead transfer rush

DAR ES SALAAM: MAINLAND Premier League giants Young Africans, Simba SC and Azam FC have taken centre stage in the ongoing 2026/27 transfer window, making key additions to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season and continental competitions.

With the transfer window, which opened on July 6th, set to close on August 15, clubs across the country have intensified recruitment while also releasing players as they reshape their squads. Simba have remained among the busiest clubs during the current transfer window.

The Msimbazi Street outfit recently confirmed the signing of 18-year-old striker Bakari Msimu from Coastal Union on a two-year contract.

The young forward joins Simba to strengthen the club’s attacking department ahead of the new season. Simba have also completed the signings of Azam right-back Nathaniel Chilambo and midfielder Nashon Kennedy from Pamba Jiji as they continue to bolster their squad.

The Reds have also parted ways with seven players as part of their squad restructuring programme. Those released include Chamou Karaboue, Naby Camara, Edwin Balua, Joshua Mutale, Awesu Awesu, Omari Omari and Moussa Camara. In another development, Ghanaian striker Jonathan Sowah has completed a move to Singida Black Stars, returning to the club after ending his spell with Simba.

Defending champions Young Africans have also stepped up their transfer activities by reinforcing both their technical bench and playing squad. The Jangwani Street side hired South African tactician Manqoba Mngqithi. Mngqithi will lead the technical bench, with Simo Dladla as his assistant.

Other technical team members include former South Africa international Kagisho Dikgacoi, appointed as set-piece coach. Yardaan Valodia joins as tactical performance analyst, while Greg Etaif takes charge as goalkeeping coach. Further, Yanga have also strengthened their defence with the signing of centre-back Mohamed Mussa from Mashujaa FC.

In attack, the club unveiled striker Hussein Mihambo, who joined from Mashujaa FC, following the departure of Zimbabwean forward Prince Dube. Mihambo becomes the club’s second Tanzanian signing during the current transfer window after midfielder Juma Issa Abushiri was introduced earlier.

Yanga’s Media and Communications Manager, Ally Kamwe, said all players will undergo comprehensive medical examinations immediately after reporting to camp before officially beginning preparations for the new campaign.

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“According to the technical team’s programme, players will first undergo health assessments before officially entering camp. We are focused on ensuring the team receives the best possible preparations ahead of the new season,” Kamwe said.

He added that the club has lined up several activities in the coming weeks, including the official unveiling of the technical bench and newly signed players who will be part of the squad for the 2026/27 season. Kamwe noted that discipline and commitment will be key pillars during the pre-season programme, with the club introducing strict measures to ensure players remain fully focused throughout the training camp.

“We need top-level preparations to build a strong squad. Once players report to camp, there will be controlled access and movement, supported by adequate security, to ensure everything proceeds according to plan,” he said.

Azam FC have equally remained active in the market as they continue building a competitive squad for the upcoming campaign. The Chamazi-based side completed the signing of Sudan international striker John Mano from Libyan club Al Akhdar to strengthen their attacking options.

Azam also secured the services of Ugandan midfielder Mubiru Hassan from Sports Club Villa and earlier unveiled Congolese forward Henoc Molia, who joined from DR Congo side St. Eloi Lupopo.

They have continued strengthening their squad by recruiting Kenyan defender Stephen Ochieng from Shabana FC, Nigerian centre-back Henri Stanic from Stellenbosch FC of South Africa and Ivorian midfielder Kipre Junior, who returned to the club after ending his spell with Algerian side MC Alger.

Pamba Jiji have also been active in the transfer market, signing Nigerian centre-back Nonyem Okorocha from Mlandege of Zanzibar, experienced goalkeeper Erick Johola from Mashujaa FC, as well as wingers Frank Ernest and Salehe Machupa to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.

Namungo FC have reshaped their squad by releasing Shafih Maulid, Ali Saleh and Heritier Makambo while unveiling eight new players including Gabriel Lusingo, Awesu Awesu, Samson Cassian, Redemtus Mussa, Rashid Chambo, George Makang’a and Lipapa Bakari.

Dodoma Jiji have so far announced the signing of striker Marco Mhilu, while Mbeya City have unveiled Ismail Kader from JKT Tanzania and confirmed the departure of experienced goalkeeper Beno Kakolanya.

TRA United have also begun restructuring their squad, releasing Reliants Lusajo, Adam Adam, Nassor Kapama, Salum Chuku and Shabani Chilunda as preparations continue for the new season. TRA United Information Officer Christina Mwagala said the Arusha-based club is determined to bring in quality players capable of competing with the league’s traditional powerhouses.

“We are preparing for a highly competitive season. The management is working on securing high-profile signings that will strengthen every department of the team,” Mwagala said. “Our objective is not simply to participate. We want to finish in a respectable position on the league table and compete for major honours. Every club enters the season with ambitions, and ours is to challenge the very best.” Mwagala said the club had drawn valuable lessons from last season and believes those experiences have laid a strong foundation for improved performances in the upcoming campaign.

“We learned a great deal from the previous season. The technical bench and management have identified the areas that need improvement, and we are confident the team will be stronger and more competitive this season,” she added. She further stressed that TRA United are targeting both the Mainland Premier League title and the Federation Cup, where Simba are the reigning champions.

“We have great respect for Yanga and Simba because they are clubs with rich traditions and winning cultures. However, football is all about competition. Our goal is to challenge Yanga for the league title and compete strongly for the Federation Cup as well,” Mwagala said. Meanwhile, Coastal Union have parted ways with seven players, namely Wilbom Maseke, Christopher Orcu, George Wawa, Abdallah Denis, Abdulkarim Segeja, Jonathan Manyama and Yassin Mustpha.

On the other hand, Fountain Gate, Kagera Sugar, Mashujaa FC, JKT Tanzania and newly promoted Polisi Tanzania are yet to announce any player signings or departures through their official social media platforms. The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has reminded all clubs to complete player registrations through the FIFA Connect system before the transfer window closes.

According to the federation, clubs competing in the Mainland Premier League, Championship, First League, Under-20 Youth League and Women’s Premier League have 25 days remaining to finalise player registrations before the deadline. The transfer activity comes as clubs intensify preparations for the 2026/27 Mainland Premier League season following the release of the official fixture list by the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB).

Defending champions Yanga will open their title defence away to Namungo FC at Majaliwa Stadium on August 15, while Azam FC will travel to Moshi to face newly promoted Polisi Tanzania on the same day. Simba SC will begin their campaign on August 16 with an away fixture against Kagera Sugar at Kaitaba Stadium in Bukoba.