Simba alert on Stellenbosch duel

ZANZIBAR: SIMBA Sports Club are taking caution ahead of their semi-final CAF Federation Cup match against South African side, Stellenbosch to be staged at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar this Sunday.

Simba SC Spokesperson, Ahmed Ally has affirmed the club’s respect for their opponents, , stressing the team’s commitment to a fair and competitive match as they seek a place in the final.

Speaking in Zanzibar late Tuesday, Ally acknowledged Stellenbosch’s quality and competitive spirit.

“Our opponents are no pushovers—reaching the semi-finals proves that. Many of our fans expected us to face Zamalek, but Stellenbosch eliminated them on their own turf. That wasn’t luck; they’re a strong team with real potential to win this cup,” Ally said. “We still haven’t received confirmation from Stellenbosch on whether they’ll fly directly to Zanzibar or pass through Dar es Salaam,” he noted.

He added that Simba have arrived early in Zanzibar to allow players to acclimatise ahead of the big game.

“This is not our final stop. Our target is the final and we’re bringing all our energy. We’re known for our passion—we go street to street, rallying fans. Even if tickets sell out today, the excitement won’t fade,” stated Ally.

He confirmed that ticket prices have been set according to demand and stadium capacity.

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“Amaan Stadium holds 15,885 spectators. We only wish it could hold 30,000 like Benjamin Mkapa Stadium,” he said. Tickets are available at 15 designated outlets in Zanzibar and all standard sales points in Dar es Salaam.

“This is the first time since 1993 that Simba have reached the semi-finals of a CAF competition. It’s a huge achievement for the club and Tanzanian football. We are proud of the journey—from being ranked seventh to now fourth,” Ally added.

Simba’s squad is expected to arrive in Zanzibar early today to kick off preparations for the crucial fixture.

Stellenbosch had planned to begin their journey to the country today evening, flying first to Dar es Salaam before going to Zanzibar for the CAF duel.

The club is based in Stellenbosch and was founded in 2016 following the relocation of Vasco da Gama FC to Stellenbosch.

The club is the first Premier Soccer League team from the Cape Winelands region and was promoted to the South African Premiership in 2019.

The first team plays its home matches at the Danie Craven Stadium.