Football stakeholders hail league move to use Amaan Complex

TANZANIA: AS THE Premier League prepares for the 2024/25 season, a lively debate has emerged over the decision to allow teams to use Zanzibar stadiums as their home grounds.

Coaches and football experts have voiced a range of opinions on the potential benefits and challenges of this move.

Dodoma Jiji Head Coach Mecky Maxime has praised the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) for their decision.

In an exclusive interview with the ‘Daily News,’ Maxime highlighted the high quality of Zanzibar’s stadiums. “I support TFF and TPLB’s decision regarding Zanzibar stadiums.

This move will benefit teams lacking home grounds and will undoubtedly enhance the league’s overall qual ity,” Maxime stated.

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In a more positive response, former Simba SC player Dua Said supported the new regulation requiring Premier League teams to include at least two youth players in their match roster.

“Although it’s coming a bit late, this rule is fantastic.

It will offer young talents the opportunity to showcase their skills,” Said said. Said also welcomed the regulation mandating stadiums to have a minimum seating capacity of 3,000. “This is a great development.

With Video Assistant Referees (VAR) now in use in Tanzania, it’s essential for stadiums to meet higher standards,” he added. Conversely, former Ruvu Shooting and Polisi Dodoma Head Coach Joseph Kanakamfumo expressed caution.

While he acknowledged the positive impact on football development, Kanakamfumo raised concerns about the travel distances for some teams. “Allowing certain Premier League teams to use Zanzibar stadiums as their home grounds is a constructive decision.

However, we must consider the travel challenges it may present for some teams,” Kanakamfumo noted.

Adding another layer to the discussion, Bakari Malima, a former Young African player, questioned the political motivations behind the decision.

“From my viewpoint, this seems to be more politically driven. Perhaps the league is attempting to revitalise interest by shifting venues,” Malima remarked.

He urged the TFF to focus on encouraging clubs to improve their own facilities instead of relocating matches.

With just eight days remaining until the NBC Premier League kicks off, teams are finalising their preparations and eagerly anticipating the new season