The appeal of the Kariakoo Derby between Simba SC and Young Africans SC has taken a new twist after it was confirmed that this time the match will be officiated by referees from Morocco.
According to reports, the center referee will be Hamza El Faruq, assisted by Hamza En Nassri and Lassene Azkawi.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, at Meja Jenerali Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam and is considered one of the most high-pressure fixtures in the NBC Premier League.
Not the first time for foreign referees
However, this will not be the first time the Kariakoo Derby is handled by foreign officials.
On June 25, 2025, a title-deciding clash held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was officiated by referees from Egypt.
In that match, the center referee was Amin Mohamed Amin Omar, assisted by Mahmoud Ahmed Abo El Regal and Samir Gamal Saad Mohamed, while Ahmed Mahrous El Ghandour served as the fourth official.
The decision was historic, marking the first time the derby was officiated by foreign referees, aimed at improving fairness and transparency in such a crucial title-deciding match.
In that encounter, Young Africans SC secured a 2-0 victory over Simba SC to clinch the league title.
Why foreign referees are trusted
The continued use of international referees highlights efforts by football authorities in Tanzania to ensure fair officiating in major matches, especially after long-standing complaints about refereeing in Kariakoo derbies.
Given the magnitude of the fixture, the appointment of Moroccan referees adds even more weight to a match that could significantly influence the outcome of the season for both sides.
Derby week double-header
The May 3 clash comes just days after Simba SC and Young Africans SC face each other in the Muungano Cup final, meaning fans will witness two major derbies within a single week.
