After Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) moved yet again to reschedule the Mainland Premier League Kariakoo derby for the second time, Simba SC have once again come out to issue a statement reiterating their unwavering stance that they can only play rivals Young Africans (Yanga SC) on Sunday, June 15.

In a stern statement, the Msimbazi Reds declared that they will only participate in the highly anticipated fixture if it is held on Sunday, June 15, 2025, the date initially set by the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB).

Their statement came just a day after TPLB once again moved the derby pitting the biggest Tanzanian rivals to a new date: June 25. This was the second time the highly anticipated fixture was being rescheduled since it was initially called off on March 8, 2025. The change followed a complaint lodged by Simba, leading to the derby being moved to June 15.

In a letter from TPLB on Saturday, they said: “TPLB has pushed the match number 184 of the NBC Premier League between Yanga and Simba, which was planned for Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on June 15, from 5pm.

“The game will now be played on June 25, at the same venue, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, and will kick-off at the same time, 5pm. The Board wishes both teams good preparation heading into the game.”

While the Citizens responded to accepting the new date by TPLB, Simba have issued a strongly worded statement to their members and fans, and emphasised that any attempts to move the derby would be unacceptable and contrary to football governance procedures.

“Simba will not play Match No. 184 unless it is played on Sunday, June 15, 2025,” read part of the statement seen by Pan-Africa Football. The club insists the fixture must be respected as originally announced by the League Board. Supporters are urged to fill the stadium and back the team on this important day.”

While it is not clear whether Yanga have been training for the derby set for Sunday, June 15, Simba intensified training for the fixture with key players Moussa Camara, Valentine Nouma, Che Malone Fondoh, and Mzamiru Yassin among those in attendance.