The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Simba SC, Crescentius Magori, has spoken out on the ongoing controversy surrounding the granting of Tanzanian citizenship to some foreign players, saying the club will not remain silent on a matter that could undermine fair competition in the league.
Speaking on April 7, 2026, Magori said the club had identified irregularities in the process used to grant citizenship to certain players, warning that such practices risk distorting competition in the Tanzania Premier League.
He said Simba was concerned that the situation could allow some teams to bypass regulations limiting the number of foreign players allowed in the league.
Magori noted that the issue raises serious questions about the integrity of the competition and whether all clubs are operating under the same rules.
“This is a matter that does not appear right and it leaves many questions unanswered,” he said. “We cannot have a league where the balance of competition is compromised while others exploit loopholes to field more foreign players than the permitted limit.”
He explained that the club has already filed its complaints with the relevant authorities, including the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), while also considering further legal steps.
According to Magori, Simba is prepared to escalate the issue to international football bodies such as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and FIFA if necessary.
“This is not a small issue. If a player is granted citizenship simply to enable him to play for a club without meeting the criteria required to represent the national team, that is unacceptable,” he said. “What we are asking for is fairness, transparency and equal treatment for all clubs.”
Magori also appealed to Simba supporters to remain calm as the club pursues the matter through legal and administrative channels.
“We understand that our fans are frustrated, but we ask them to remain patient as the board addresses the matter with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
Beyond the citizenship controversy, Magori also spoke about the club’s long-term development plans. He revealed that preliminary discussions are underway regarding the construction of a new stadium in the Bunju area of Dar es Salaam.
He said the club’s investor has already expressed interest in supporting the project, while sponsors and stakeholders are expected to hold detailed discussions on how best to mobilize and utilize available resources, including funds allocated annually for infrastructure development.
Magori added that Simba has also begun preparations for the upcoming major transfer window, stressing that the club remains committed to strengthening its squad in order to maintain strong competition domestically and internationally.
On player matters, he dismissed reports claiming that midfielder Mpanzu had refused to extend his contract. Magori clarified that the player had been sidelined due to injury but is now recovering well and could return to action soon.
He also provided an update on winger Loemba, saying the player has resumed training after recovering from injury, although the technical bench is taking a cautious approach to avoid rushing him back too quickly.
Magori further noted that this year Simba SC will mark 90 years since its establishment, describing the milestone as an important moment in the club’s history.
He said the club is planning a series of major events to celebrate the anniversary and honour the legacy of one of Tanzania’s most successful football institutions.
“Simba is a big club with a rich history and remarkable achievements,” he said. “We will continue working hard to ensure the club remains strong and competitive at the highest level.”
