The Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has explained the reasons behind moving the Kariakoo Derby between Yanga SC and Simba SC from Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
The match, number 54 of the NBC Premier League, is scheduled to be played on March 1, 2026, in Zanzibar instead of Dar es Salaam as originally planned.
Speaking on the changes, TPLB Information Officer Karim Boimanda said the main reason for relocating the match is that Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will be hosting another major event on that same day.
According to Boimanda, on March 1, 2026, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will host a major international Qur'an competition involving participants from different continents. The event is expected to attract various national and international leaders, with the President of Zanzibar, Hussein Mwinyi, set to be the guest of honor.
The League Board emphasized that the decision to move the derby was made after considering the schedule and stadium availability.
This will mark the first time a Tanzania Mainland Premier League match between Simba and Yanga is played in Zanzibar.
Last season, several league matches were also held in Zanzibar, including Azam FC vs Simba, Singida Black Stars vs Yanga, and Yanga vs Dodoma Jiji.
