The Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has issued a warning to Simba Sports Club for failing to attend the mandatory pre-match press conference ahead of the much-anticipated Kariakoo Derby against rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC), scheduled for tomorrow, June 25, at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The press conference, held today, June 24, was organized to provide media and fans with updates on both teams' preparations for the derby, which marks the conclusion of the 2023/24 NBC Premier League season. While Yanga attended the event with head coach Miloud Hamdi and defender Dickson Job, Simba did not send any representatives.
TPLB’s Media and Communications Officer, Karim Boimanda, stated that Simba’s absence constitutes a violation of the league’s media obligations.
He cited Regulation 17, Article 58 of the Premier League’s governing rules, which requires clubs to hold a press conference one day before their scheduled fixture to provide insights and updates on the upcoming match.
Boimanda also referenced Article 62, which outlines disciplinary measures for non-compliance. According to the rule, a club that fails to attend the official pre-match media session may be issued a warning and fined between TSh1 million and TSh2 million for a first offense.
In cases of repeat offenses, penalties may include a TSh5 million fine, suspension from league matches for up to three months, and forfeiture of up to three games.
“The Board will review the matter after the match and take appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the league regulations,” Boimanda said.
As of this evening, Simba SC had not issued any official communication regarding their absence or their readiness for the derby clash.
The Kariakoo Derby remains one of the most celebrated fixtures in Tanzanian football, drawing intense interest from supporters and media across the region.
The outcome of the disciplinary process could set a precedent for how strictly league protocols are enforced in the future.