Simba SC Chairman Murtaza Mangungu has challenged the legality of the club’s announced election process, describing it as invalid and illegal while calling for consultations with the government to resolve the dispute over leadership, governance and investment.
The club’s Election Committee announced on October 28, 2026, that the election process had commenced, with voting scheduled for January 3, 2027.
Mangungu said the priority should be to resolve the ongoing disagreements over changes and investment in the club to ensure stability and protect Simba’s long-term interests.
“The election process that has been announced is invalid and illegal. We are consulting with the government on the best way to address this matter. We want the issues surrounding changes and investment to be resolved,” Mangungu said.
His statement raises questions about the procedures governing the proposed elections, as the club continues to address differences over its administrative structure and future direction.
Mangungu also clarified that, according to his understanding, Simba Sports Club currently does not have its own Chief Executive Officer (CEO), distinguishing the club from Simba Sports Club Company, which operates under a separate legal structure.
He said two individuals had been associated with the CEO position, with one registered through the National Sports Council (NSC) and the other through the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA), citing differences in their legal registration arrangements.
“Simba Sports Club does not have a CEO. If there is one, then it is within Simba Sports Club Company. One is registered with the NSC and the other with BRELA under different laws,” he said.
The chairman added that the club’s constitution requires Simba Sports Club to have its own executive officer and said the individual appointed to the position would be officially announced to the public.
“The constitution states that Simba Sports Club must have its own executive officer, and we will announce that person to the nation,” Mangungu said.
Clarifying the club’s leadership structure is important to ensuring that members understand who is responsible for its daily administration, decision-making and accountability.
Mangungu further raised concerns about the handling of internal club procedures, particularly a letter providing guidance on extending the deadline for holding the club’s general meeting.
He said the letter was addressed to him but that he did not receive it on the date it was issued. According to Mangungu, other individuals obtained the letter and subsequently convened a board meeting.
He explained that he informed those involved that he could not attend because he had been summoned by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).
Mangungu questioned whether the required procedures had been followed when the meeting proceeded in his absence.
“The letter provided guidance on extending the time for holding the general meeting, and it was addressed to me. I did not receive it on the day it was issued. When others received it, they called a board meeting. I informed them that I could not attend because I had been summoned by TFF. The meeting continued and decisions were made. Did they follow the required procedures?” he asked.
The concerns highlight the importance of clear communication, compliance with the club’s constitution and transparent decision-making in managing disputes within sports organisations.
Mangungu also criticised what he described as the pursuit of personal interests by some individuals involved in sports administration, arguing that such conduct undermines the development of sports in Tanzania.
He said sports leaders should prioritise the interests of clubs and the wider sporting community rather than personal financial gain.
“Instead of protecting the foundations of sports development in the country, some people focus on what they can gain for their own pockets and personal interests. The money they receive is what is causing us problems,” he said.
The disagreement comes at a critical time for Simba SC as it prepares for the proposed January 3, 2027, elections and continues discussions surrounding investment and leadership changes.
A clear resolution of the dispute would help provide certainty for club members, supporters, players and other stakeholders, while allowing the club to concentrate on its sporting ambitions.
The legality of the announced election process and the concerns raised by Mangungu remain matters requiring clarification through the relevant procedures and authorities.
His statements represent his position on the dispute, while the final outcome will depend on the applicable rules and the resolution of the issues surrounding the club’s governance.