Two days after the Kariakoo Derby ended with Simba SC claiming a 2-1 victory over Yanga SC, the rivalry off the pitch has taken a new turn.
Yanga’s Head of Information and Communications, Ali Kamwe, has sparked online controversy after posting a picture of a syringe and raising questions that appeared to imply their rivals had used illicit methods, specifically performance-enhancing injections, to secure victory on the pitch.
In a post on his social media account, Kamwe shared a strongly worded message that read:
“Ask yourself why so much effort is being made, to the point of bringing in spokespersons to defend their team and insult people as though the allegations are untrue. Ask yourself why so much effort is being spent ‘defending the victory’ instead of ‘celebrating the victory.’ The truth is not far away,” Kamwe wrote.
Many fans interpreted the post as an accusation against Simba, following the pace and physical intensity displayed by their players during the match.
Simba SC Responds, Strongly Rejects Allegations
Responding to the allegations, Simba SC’s Information and Communications Manager, Ahmed Ally, and head coach Steve Barker have strongly rejected the claims, describing them as excuses for defeat.
Coach Steve Barker insisted that his team's ability to fight back and secure victory demonstrated the quality of their preparation and tactical approach on the pitch, rather than anything suspicious.
Football officials and analysts have urged Yanga to accept the result, with many pointing out that Simba had gone three years and five months without a league derby victory, arguing that the latest win was earned through hard work on the pitch.
The match, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Simba, continues to generate controversy, as football stakeholders across the country wait to see whether the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) or the TFF Ethics Committee will intervene in the ‘injection’ allegations to protect the image and integrity of Tanzanian football.
