As the much-anticipated Kariakoo derby between Yanga and Simba approaches tomorrow (Wednesday), the Chairman of the Tanzania Referees Committee, Nassor Hamduni, has provided clarification regarding the decision to involve a team of referees from Egypt to officiate the match.
Hamduni stated that the decision is not questionable or problematic, but rather part of a broader sports cooperation between countries. He explained that the main reason behind the move was the unavailability of the originally designated referees, who are currently out of the country for training.
"The referees initially scheduled to officiate the match were not in the country, and we did not have sufficient time to prepare alternative local officials for such a big match. Therefore, we found it appropriate to collaborate with our colleagues from abroad," said Hamduni.
He further noted that the arrival of foreign referees is not unusual, but rather an opportunity for local referees to learn and prepare for international assignments.
"Collaborating in sports is not a bad thing, and this is just the beginning. Our referees are also given opportunities to officiate matches abroad, so we also welcome international referees here—it's a learning opportunity," he added.
Hamduni also emphasized that the Kariakoo derby is a major event watched by many people globally, thus requiring top-tier preparation and high-level officiating.
In his view, this move marks the beginning of improvements in officiating major matches, and he reaffirmed TFF's commitment to elevating the standards of local referees through international cooperation.
According to a statement released by the Board yesterday, the center referee will be Amin Mohammed Amin Omar (Egypt), assisted by first assistant referee Mahmoud Ahmed Abo El Regal (Egypt), second assistant referee Samir Gamal Saad Mohamed (Egypt), and fourth official Ahmed Mahrous Elghandour (Egypt).
The match commissioner will be Salim Omary Singano (Tanga, Tanzania), and the referees' assessor will be Alli Mohamed (Somalia).
