Dar enjoys hyper-class Simba Day
A WEEK of various health and humanitarian services glorified this year’s Simba Week and Simba Day festivals.
Blood donation and offering medical equipment to the hospitals were major humanitarian services offered by Simba fans and supporters to the public and President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who blessed the climax of Simba Day at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in the city yesterday, lauded Simba for the humanity.
Prior to President Samia’s arrival the arena was vibrant with marathon of entertainments to make it an exciting day for Simba fans who gathered in large numbers at the arena.
It was a day full of entertainment, but the highlight was the appearance of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The jam-packed fans celebrated the Head of State’s arrival, as she walked along the runway waving to the fans who came to celebrate the club’s big day.
The joy was overwhelming, as the audience witnessed President Samia being handed a jersey with her name on it by club board chair Salim Muhene.
Other than receiving her jersey, the board chair presented a special award to the Head of State for her immense contribution to the sports sector.
On the big day, the president studied the club’s history on board shortly after her arrival. She was guided by the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Imani Kajula.
A number of artists stepped onto a beautifully decorated red and white stage. There was a lot of love in the air during the performance, which filled the stadium’s massive crowd.
Ally Kiba brightened the stage with the club’s anthem, “Simba Mnyama” before club spokesperson Ahmed Ally appeared riding a camel before the passionate Simba fans.
Just after his arrival, the 2023/24 squad was announced to the public.
Simba fans were indeed entertained, singing and dancing non-stop, enjoying various artists’ performances. Also coloured the day were Khalid Ramadhani (Tunda Man) and the Twanga Pepeta band.
The day was climaxed by an international friendly match between Simba and Zambian Super League champions, Power Dynamos.
Simba smashed Dynamos 2-0 with goals from newly sign-in players Willy Onana and Fabrice Ngoma.
In just 45 minutes, Simba snatched the lead with a goal from Onana before Ngoma doubled in the second half. Additionally there were fireworks during the first half break.
Prior to the men’s squad lined up for introduction, the women’s squad pitted against Masala Princess. The women’s squad swept their guests 4-0.
Simba Queens got goals via Shelda Boniface, Joelle Bukuru, Fatma Issa and Asha Djafar.
Simba Day in Dar es Salaam was filled with various activities inside and outside Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Apart from sports and entertainment activities, different services were available; including fan registration from financial service providers i.e. banks like NMB who had set up their booths several metres outside the stadium.
The exercise seemed successful, as several fans showed up just before entering the stadium. Fans were able to register for different services offered by the bank, such as credit cards and insurance. This was a great way for the bank to build relationships with its customers and increase its customer base. Additionally, it was a convenient way for fans to access financial assistance.
