Kenyan referee picked to officiate Yanga-Simba derby amid officiating concerns
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 29.04.26. | 09:37
Mimisa will be assisted by a mix of Tanzanian and Zanzibari officials
Kenyan referee Dickens Mimisa has been appointed to officiate the Muungano Cup final between Tanzanian rivals Young Africans SC (Yanga) and Simba SC, set for Wednesday evening in Zanzibar.
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The appointment comes amid growing scrutiny over officiating standards in Tanzania, with both clubs previously raising concerns about perceived bias in high-stakes fixtures.
In a bid to ensure neutrality and avoid controversy in the derby, the Tanzania Football Federation has opted for a foreign referee, turning to one of Kenya’s most highly regarded officials, Mimisa.
Despite being relatively young in the profession, Mimisa boasts an impressive résumé. He has officiated in regional CECAFA competitions, as well as continental assignments in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
He was also part of the officiating team at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt last year, featured during the CHAN tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, where he served as fourth official in the final between Morocco and Madagascar, and took part in the AFCON tournament in Morocco earlier this year.
Domestically, he is well respected, having previously handled high-profile matches including the Mashemeji Derby.
A mix of Tanzanian and Zanzibari officials will assist Mimisa. Ali Mbwana will serve as the first assistant referee, while Yussuf Shombe takes up the role of second assistant referee.
Ishaka Mwalile has been named the fourth official, with Ramadhan Kibo appointed match commissioner for the 8:15 pm kickoff.
On the pitch, Yanga booked their place in the final with a 2-1 victory over Azam FC, while Simba eased past Mlandege FC 3-0 to set up the much-anticipated Kariakoo Derby showdown.
The final will also feature a Kenyan clash, with Yanga midfielder Duke Abuya coming up against his national team teammate Bajaber Mohammed of Simba in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.
