The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has intervened in the dispute over Simba SC's forthcoming general election, confirming that the January 3, 2027 polling date will remain unchanged. Despite amendments to the electoral process, the federation's Electoral Committee has brought together the club's leadership and Electoral Committee to resolve the impasse. TFF Electoral Committee chairman Kiomoni Kibamba stated that the federation received two separate letters: one notifying it of Simba's election process and another from the club's leadership challenging the procedures.
The dispute arose after Simba chairman Murtaza Mangungu questioned the legitimacy of the electoral process announced by the club's Electoral Committee, describing it as null and unlawful. Mangungu argued that outstanding issues involving the club's leadership structure, governance, and investment arrangements needed to be addressed before the election. However, the club's Electoral Committee maintained that its decision to organise the election was constitutionally grounded, citing Simba's 2018 constitution, which was amended in 2025 and registered in February 2026.
Following a joint meeting with the two sides, Kibamba said the committee had agreed to introduce additional provisions on appeals and ethics, which were missing from the initial electoral framework. The omissions could have denied candidates the right to challenge decisions, particularly where they are disqualified from the election, while also leaving gaps in addressing ethical misconduct during the campaign. Kibamba explained that the amendments aimed to improve the sequence of electoral activities and strengthen the credibility of the process.
The revised electoral timetable is expected to be officially released on Friday, providing candidates and club members with clarity on the adjusted procedures. Kibamba stressed that both sides had agreed that the election must be conducted in accordance with Simba's constitution, which provides for leaders to serve four-year terms. The TFF Electoral Committee's intervention was within its mandate granted by the federation's constitution, which empowers it to supervise elections involving TFF, the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB), affiliated associations, and clubs.
Under the initial timetable, nomination forms were scheduled to be collected between October 30 and November 6, with completed forms to be submitted from November 7 to 11. Candidate verification and the handling of objections were also included before the campaign period, scheduled to run from December 3 to January 2, 2027. Article 37 of Simba's constitution places the club's Electoral Committee under the supervision and direction of the TFF Electoral Committee.
The latest intervention places the federation at the centre of efforts to ensure that Simba's leadership transition is conducted within the club's constitutional framework, with the additional safeguards expected to reduce disputes and protect the rights of candidates and members. With the polling date intact, attention now shifts to the revised timetable and whether the new measures will secure the confidence of all parties involved.
The TFF's role in resolving the dispute underscores its responsibility to ensure that clubs operate within their constitutional frameworks. The federation's involvement is expected to enhance the credibility of the electoral process, and the January 3, 2027 poll date will proceed as planned. The revised electoral timetable and additional provisions will be crucial in determining the success of the election and the future of Simba SC.
Key points
- TFF confirms January 3, 2027 poll date for Simba SC election
- Additional provisions on appeals and ethics introduced to strengthen electoral process
- TFF's intervention aims to ensure election is conducted within Simba's constitutional framework
