Simba SC chairman Murtaza Mangungu has sparked a fresh debate within the club after publicly opposing the recently announced general election process, claiming it is invalid and unlawful.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference held at the Hyatt Regency in Dar es Salaam, Mangungu said the current leadership was in discussions with the government to reach an agreement on the best way to address the matter.
He stressed that they were not prepared to allow interference that could disrupt or affect the ongoing discussions.
“The process that has been announced is invalid and unlawful. We are consulting with the government to find the best way to address this matter concerning changes and investment so that it can be brought to a conclusion. We do not want people to unsettle us in the middle of this process,” Mangungu said.
Mangungu: Official Election Process to Be Announced Later
In his remarks, Mangungu explained that the club's leadership would issue an announcement on the election process that would be recognised as official once the relevant procedures had been followed.
He said the process would be made public soon, assuring members interested in contesting leadership positions that they would have an opportunity to do so by following the announced procedures.
“Soon, we will announce the legitimate and official process for these elections and for anyone who wants to be elected as a leader of this club. It is not necessary for me to remain the club's leader, but during my leadership, I want the proper procedures to be followed,” he said.
Government Talks and Investment in Simba
Mangungu explained that the ongoing discussions with the government concerned how to reach an agreement on changes and investment within the club.
According to the chairman, it is important for the matter to be handled through an acceptable process rather than allowing tensions that could disrupt the steps being taken.
“I Know There Will Be Complaints”
Addressing the possibility that some members might be dissatisfied with the leadership's position, Mangungu said he understood that the steps being taken could trigger complaints.
However, he insisted that his priority was to ensure the proper procedures were followed, adding that his own continuation as club chairman was not necessarily a personal demand.
“I know there are, or will be, complaints over this, but I will ensure that the proper procedures are followed,” Mangungu said.
His remarks come after Simba's 2027 election process had been announced, with a timetable covering the collection of nomination forms, candidate verification, objections, campaigns and election day.
