Msigwa confirms Mkapa Stadium for Sunday match

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports has clarified that the use of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for the upcoming match between Azam FC and Young Africans S.C. this Sunday will be temporary.

Speaking recently, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Gerson Msigwa, said the stadium remains under renovation and is not yet ready to be fully reopened to the public.

Msigwa explained that allowing the venue to host the single match does not mean the stadium has officially resumed operations, noting that renovation and infrastructure upgrades are expected to take between six and twelve months.

“We are continuing preparations for Africa Cup of Nations 2027, which is why the stadium must undergo extensive renovations to meet the standards required for the tournament. Azam FC submitted a formal request to use the stadium, outlining their reasons, which we found to be valid,” Msigwa said.

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He noted that the government approved the request, allowing Azam FC to host their match against Yanga at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. However, Msigwa stressed that once the game is completed, the stadium will be closed again to allow contractors to continue with the full renovation works.

“I want to stress that this permission is only for this specific match. After the game, the stadium will be closed again so that the contractor can proceed with the renovation works,” he said.

He added that the upgrades are essential to ensure the facility meets all technical, safety and infrastructure requirements needed to host matches during AFCON 2027.

According to Msigwa, allowing the one-off match will help the domestic league continue while renovation work progresses.

“This will give players an opportunity to compete and fans a chance to watch the game, while the government continues preparations to ensure the stadium is fully ready for AFCON 2027,” he said