Cool down, Simba fans advised

DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA SC have confirmed they will issue an official statement, clarifying the venue for the return leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final against Moroccan side RS Berkane, amid swirling rumours suggesting the fixture may be moved from the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam to the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

Initially, the high-stake encounter, scheduled for 25 May, was set to be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Simba had already begun ticket sales for the match, announcing that the Special VIP and Platinum categories had sold out.

However, on their official Instagram page, Simba announced that the final decision regarding the venue will be made public after the first leg of the final that will be played on Saturday, 17 May, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco.

Speaking to journalists in Morocco, Simba’s Media Officer, Ahmed Ally, addressed the speculation, urging fans to remain focused on the upcoming away fixture.

“We have seen reports circulating this morning (yesterday) suggesting that the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final against RS Berkane has been moved to the Amaan Complex in Zanzibar,” said Ally.

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He urged fans and Tanzanians at large to remain calm, emphasising that the entire Simba leadership is currently not entertaining any distractions, as all focus remains on preparations for their crucial first-leg match.

“I would like to take this opportunity to inform and assure our supporters that, as of now, the club’s focus—both management and players is fully on our first leg match in Morocco on the 17th of May. We are all working towards delivering a strong performance in this crucial away match.

“As for the return leg on the 25th, we will issue an official communication to our fans immediately after the match on the 17th. For now, all arrangements remain as they were. Those purchasing tickets should continue doing so as planned,” he emphasised.

The confusion over the match venue erupted after a letter surfaced on social media, allegedly from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).

The letter, titled ‘TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 Final – venue confirmation, reportedly addressed to TFF Secretary General Alfred Kidau, suggested a venue change based on a technical assessment conducted by international pitch consultants contracted by CAF.

According to the contents of the circulating letter, the experts recommended relocating the match to the Amaan Stadium due to the ongoing rainy season in Mainland Tanzania.

“Following a series of technical assessments carried out by CAF’s international pitch consultants, and taking into account the current rainy season in Tanzania, it has been strongly recommended purely from a technical standpoint that the final be held at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar,” the letter read.

Nonetheless, Ally reiterated that the club’s preparations for hosting the match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium remain unchanged.

Efforts by the ‘Daily News’ to verify the authenticity of the venue change proved inconclusive. TFF’s Spokesperson, Clifford Ndimbo stated that the federation had not received any official communication on the matter.

“You want me to confirm rumours from social media? You expect me to respond to an online letter? Be patient if the matter reaches us officially, we will provide a proper statement,” Ndimbo responded.

Attempts to reach TFF Secretary General Kidau, who was the alleged recipient of the CAF letter, were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable.

Likewise, calls to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports and Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa went unanswered.

Msigwa had assured Tanzanians that Benjamin Mkapa Stadium would be ready by yesterday.

Late yesterday, CAF posted a clip on their website showing that the fixture would take place at Amaan Stadium.