Yakoub Suleiman Ali Profile, Stats and Career Overview
Suleiman was born in Sogea, Zanzibar. His early senior development came through JKU SC, where he gained experience in Zanzibar's league and cup competitions. The club's 2022/23 cup success and 2023/24 league title formed part of his progression before his move to mainland Tanzania.
At JKT Tanzania, Suleiman moved into regular top-flight competition and accumulated 38 league appearances over two seasons. His performances preceded transfers for both Suleiman and defender Wilson Nangu from JKT Tanzania to Simba in September 2025.
Career Overview
Suleiman's senior club record began with JKU SC in Zanzibar. He was part of the club across the 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. JKU finished second in the Zanzibar Premier League in 2021/22, won the Zanzibar Cup in 2022/23 and secured the Zanzibar Premier League title in 2023/24.
He moved from JKU to JKT Tanzania in January 2024 and entered the Tanzanian Premier League. Suleiman made 17 league appearances during the 2023/24 season, when JKT Tanzania finished 13th. He remained the club's goalkeeper in 2024/25 and recorded 21 league appearances as JKT improved to sixth place.
Simba SC signed Suleiman from JKT Tanzania on Sept 3, 2025. His first season with the club included two Tanzanian Premier League appearances and four appearances in the CAF Champions League. He kept league clean sheets in 3-0 wins over Namungo and Mbeya City while also receiving playing time in continental competition.
Suleiman made four CAF Champions League appearances for Simba in 2025/26 and completed 360 minutes. He kept two clean sheets across those matches. His appearances included the qualifying tie against Nsingizini Hotspurs and group-stage fixtures against Petro de Luanda and Stade Malien. In Bamako, he saved a penalty during Simba's group match against Stade Malien.
Suleiman remained part of the Simba SC goalkeeping group for the 2026/27 season. His club record combines Zanzibar Premier League experience, two seasons of regular Tanzanian Premier League football with JKT Tanzania and CAF Champions League minutes with Simba.
Playing Style
- Role: Goalkeeper competing for selection in Simba's senior squad
- Responsibilities: Shot stopping, defensive organisation and match restarts
- Tactical actions: Penalty saves, handling attempts and distributing after recoveries
What Makes Yakoub Suleiman Ali Unique
- Consistency: 38 Tanzanian Premier League appearances across two JKT Tanzania seasons
- Role: Domestic goalkeeper with Zanzibar and mainland top-flight experience
- Contribution: Four CAF Champions League appearances and two clean sheets for Simba
International Career
Yakoub Suleiman Ali represents Tanzania at senior level.
National Team: Tanzania
Caps: 13
Goals: 0
First Call-up: 2025