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 initially planned.
Speaking about the changes, TPLB Information Officer Karim Boimanda said the main reason for relocating the fixture is that Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will be hosting another major event on the same date.
According to Boimanda, on March 1, 2026, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will host a major international Qur'an competition involving participants from various continents. The event is expected to be attended by national and international leaders, with the President of Zanzibar, Hussein Mwinyi, set to be the guest of honor.
There have been reports that Simba SC wrote a letter to the League Board questioning the change of venue, claiming they did not receive official communication within the required timeframe regarding the decision.
The League Board has insisted that the decision to move the derby was made in consideration of scheduling and stadium availability, while ensuring that the match will still be played on the planned date at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
The Kariakoo Derby is the most anticipated and high-profile match in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League, and the decision to take it to Zanzibar is expected to boost excitement among football fans on the islands.
