Former Yanga spokesperson Haji Manara has found himself in a difficult position following a dispute between him and current Yanga spokesperson Ali Kamwe, as well as his remarks criticising Yanga’s leadership and participation in discussions organised by his former employers, Simba.
The situation has put his future as a Yanga member in doubt, with internal reports suggesting that he has been removed from some Yanga supporters’ groups on social media.
Pressure for his membership to be revoked is mounting following what some club officials and members describe as a series of statements and actions that violate the values, image and dignity of the club, which is based in the Twiga and Jangwani areas.
In what appears to be an unofficial but significant statement from within the club’s leadership, Yanga Executive Committee member Alex Ngai took to his Instagram account to post what appeared to be an indirect but pointed message aimed directly at Manara.
In the post, Ngai wrote: “We have never run away from our home; we are here and will die here. Foreigners who ran to our home should return to their own now that things have settled down. I have failed to hold back any longer,” Ngai wrote.
The dispute intensified following the Kariakoo Derby on October 10, 2026, in which Yanga lost 2-1 to their traditional rivals, Simba SC. After the match, Manara publicly praised Simba for their strong performance, insisting that they deserved the victory because of their preparations and tactics on the pitch.
Manara also openly challenged claims circulating on social media and given prominence by Yanga spokesperson Ali Kamwe, alleging that Simba players had used injections or performance-enhancing drugs to secure the win.
Manara condemned the allegations, describing them as “stupid” excuses intended to conceal the team’s tactical mistakes.
Praising Rivals and Teaming Up with Ahmed Ally
Another issue said to have angered Yanga supporters is a series of Manara’s social media posts, particularly after Simba defeated Mashujaa FC 6-1. Manara praised Simba’s pressing system and warned that they could win every trophy this season if Yanga failed to make changes.
His decision to take part in a joint interview with Simba’s Information Manager, Ahmed Ally, was also interpreted by hardline supporters as an act of outright betrayal and a sign of “returning home”, given his past association with the Msimbazi Reds.
