As Simba and Yanga prepare to meet in the NBC Premier League match scheduled for October 10, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has introduced a new procedure involving the use of technology to manage incidents that may arise during the match.
One of the new features expected at the Kariakoo Derby will be the use of the FIFA Video Support (FVS) system, which will give the teams’ coaches the opportunity to request that the referee review certain incidents that occur on the pitch.
Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) Chief Executive Cornel Barnabas said each bench will be given two special cards to request the service when they believe an incident requires a review.
According to Cornel, a total of four cards will be available for the match, with each bench receiving two. However, their use will be subject to a specific time limit.
“There will be four cards available during the match for requesting the use of FVS. Each bench will be given two cards. When an incident occurs and a bench needs FVS assistance to ensure a fair decision is made, they will raise the card and the referee will go to the FVS. The condition is that the bench must raise its card within 60 seconds; it cannot wait until the incident has passed,” he said.
The System Will Not Be Limited to the Kariakoo Derby
Cornel said the use of FVS will not be limited to the Simba vs Yanga match, but will form part of a system that will also be used in other Mainland Premier League fixtures.
The measure is aimed at increasing the use of technology in reviewing match incidents and giving coaching benches the opportunity to request reviews when they believe there is reason to do so.
TFF Also Addresses Dressing-Room Security
In addition to the FVS system, preparations for the Kariakoo Derby have also included additional measures to ensure the security of areas inside the stadium, particularly the teams’ dressing rooms.
Cornel said the TPLB has arranged for the use of a specialised odour-detection device to inspect the dressing rooms before the teams use them.
The measure follows complaints and concerns regarding the security of dressing rooms during some previous matches.
Cornel said the device will not be used exclusively for the Kariakoo Derby, but will continue to be deployed at other Mainland Premier League matches.
