SIMBA, YANGA CLASH: Government warns unruly fans

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of information, Culture, Arts and Sports and Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, has issued a stern warning to Simba and Young Africans’ fans ahead of the derby, urging them to refrain from causing disorders at the stadium, particularly in damaging seats and infrastructure.

He emphasised that penalties will be imposed on the individuals responsible for such acts, not on the clubs themselves.

Msigwa further noted that Benjamin Mkapa Stadium has been extensively refurbished and now includes cameras that will help identify any fans engaging in violence or vandalism.

“Let us go and enjoy the derby, but it should be a joyful and peaceful celebration,” he urged. “We kindly ask the fans, please, our stadium has been renovated, and we’ve started installing new seats. We do not expect to see anyone damaging the seats or infrastructure,” he added.

He also issued a clear warning: “From now on, we will start arresting the individuals responsible. If you pick up a seat and start causing trouble, we will catch you, and we will find you.”

In another development, the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has appointed Ahmed Arajiga as the referee for the upcoming Kariakoo Derby between Simba SC and Yanga SC, set to take place this Saturday at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

TPLB’s Media Officer, Karim Boimanda, confirmed in a statement yesterday that Arajiga will be assisted by assistant referees Mohamed Mkono from Tanga and Kassim Mpanga from Dar es Salaam. Arajiga, 33, is a highly experienced referee from Singida, with an impressive record in both domestic and international competitions, including various CAF tournaments. He has officiated in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, and last year, he handled the Equatorial Guinea vs. Liberia match on 11th October 2024 at Malabo Stadium, as well as the Lesotho vs. Central African Republic fixture on 14th November 2024. In January this year, he officiated the CAF Confederation Cup match between RSB Berkane and Stellenbosch.

Arajiga has previously officiated in two Dar Derby matches, both of which ended in victories for Yanga. In one match, Yanga triumphed 5-1, and in the other, they secured a 2-1 win.

Ahead of the derby, Simba SC has received a boost with the return to full fitness of key players Che Malone Fondoh and goalkeeper Moussa Camara. Malone had been sidelined due to injury, while Camara had played through illness in the previous match. Simba’s Media and Information Manager, Ahmed Ally, confirmed that both players have now rejoined the squad.

Camara, who has been a key player for Simba, has featured in all league matches so far, keeping 15 clean sheets despite conceding eight goals.

The Dar Derby, one of the most anticipated football fixtures in Tanzania, is set to be a thrilling contest between the two rivals. With both teams fully prepared and an experienced referee in charge, all eyes will be on Benjamin Mkapa Stadium this Saturday to see how the match unfolds.