The second leg of the 24/25 Kariakoo Derby that was to pit Yanga against sworn rivals Simba at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday from 7:15pm will not take place as initially planned.
This is after Simba vowed to boycott the highly anticipated clash after citing ‘uncivilised actions’ against their team ahead of the game.
In a communique issued in the early hours of Saturday morning, Simba narrated how a move that saw them denied a chance to train at the match venue led to their decision to withdraw their participation from the game.
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According to Wekundu wa Msimbazi, their team was not allowed to train at the venue on Friday which they say is a contravention of the Tanzanian Premier League rules.
Simba cry foul play
“Simba Sports Club is disappointed by the uncivilized actions against our team in the lead-up to the NBC Premier League match against Yanga, Simba being the away team.
In accordance with Rule 17(45) of the Mainland Premier League Rules, the Away Team has the right to practice at the match venue at least once before the match day during the expected time of the relevant match.
Simba has been deliberately denied this right despite arriving at the stadium at the relevant time.In the misunderstanding, Simba was informed by the Stadium Manager that he did not have instructions to allow training to take place without the instructions of the Sports Commissioner.
With the arrival of the Sports Commissioner, Yanga Club’s bouncers invaded the Simba Motorcade while continuing to cause chaos and causing the Simba Motorcade to enter the stadium to practice,” Simba posted in a statement.
Simba promise to boycott Kariakoo Derby
“Simba’s efforts to find a solution to the challenge were fruitless for more than two hours before Simba left the area outside the stadium for security reasons which have been recorded for evidence.
Following this breach of the Game Rules, Simba will not participate in the relevant Game and all rights are reserved. Simba urges that strict action be taken against all parties involved in this saga,” the club announced.
The news comes less than 12 hours to the game that was to act as a potential title-decider in this season’s campaign.
Heading into the game, Yanga occupied top spot on 58 points after 22 matches while Simba sat in second place on 54 points having played a game less.
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