Dar Es Salaam — THE next season's Vodacom Premier League kicks off on August 21, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) announced today.

TFF spokesperson Florian Kaijage said that the season's transfer window opened since yesterday. He said both players and teams can now terminate contracts.

The revelations come in the wake of increased reports of players having been transferred or had their contacts terminated. Top in the list is former Young Africans front man Mrisho Ngassa, who has since moved to city opponents Azam FC on multi-million deal.

Kaijage said: "Players who are not contracted can seek greener pastures before closure of the transfer window on July 15. Respective teams are also free to terminate the services of players they wish to offload during this time."

The previous season ended on April 21 where Msimbazi Street outfit Simba under the tutelage of Zambian Patrick Phiri won the league title with unbeaten record.

Kaijage said teams can recruit new players until July 20, ahead of approvals of the contracted players on August 1 to 5, adding that either way, the league kicks off as scheduled.

He said teams will commence preparations for the coming season on August 3 through August 13.

"All teams will be open for regional and abroad trips in friendly match preparations for the league. They will then converge in their respective stations in readiness for kickoff," said the information officer.