DAR ES SALAAM: SIMBA Sports Club have strongly condemned the acts of violence and vandalism that marred their CAF Confederation Cup match against CS Sfaxien held last Sunday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The match that saw the hosts emerge with a 2-1 victory was overshadowed by destruction of stadium seats, prompting the club to pledge full cooperation with authorities in assessing the damage.
In a statement issued yesterday, Simba Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Zubeda Sakuru, expressed the club’s disapproval of the unsportsmanlike behaviour and reaffirmed commitment to upholding sportsmanship.
“Simba SC will work closely with investigative bodies and relevant authorities to assess the damage caused during this unfortunate incident. We remain committed to upholding the principles, rules and laws in the best interest of our nation, Tanzania,” the statement read in part.
The club also acknowledged the government’s directive to report the incident to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and assured that necessary actions would follow.
Sakuru further urged Simba fans to display discipline and maturity, even in the face of provocation from rival teams’ fans.
“Our club does not condone violence or the destruction of infrastructure during sports events. We appeal to our fans to continue showing maturity and calmness, even when provoked by opposing teams,” she said.
Earlier, the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports issued a statement expressing its dismay at the actions of certain fans, describing them as unacceptable and unsportsmanlike. The ministry directed that Simba SC cover the costs of repairing the damage at the stadium.
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“The ministry is deeply saddened by the unacceptable behaviour of fans who destroyed seats at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium during the CAF Confederation Cup match on Sunday,” the Ministry said in a statement shared on its official Instagram page.
The Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Palamagamba Kabudi, instructed the Permanent Secretary in the docket, Gerson Msigwa to formally notify Simba SC of their responsibility to cover the repair costs. A copy of the directive was sent to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).
“I have instructed the Permanent Secretary to take immediate steps to inform Simba SC, with a copy to TFF, that they must pay for the damage caused during the match,” said Minister Kabudi.
The minister also called for law enforcers to apprehend those involved in the vandalism, emphasising that such behaviour would not be tolerated.
“The behaviour witnessed at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is unacceptable and unsportsmanlike. I direct the permanent secretary to act immediately,” he stated.
Kabudi also called on Police and other relevant authorities to work closely with Simba SC and TFF to ensure accountability.
“This behaviour must be eradicated,” he added. When contacted for comment, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Media and Information Officer, Clifford Ndimbo clarified that, as the match falls under CAF’s jurisdiction, the TFF would not make a statement.
“We have not commented because the match falls under CAF’s jurisdiction,” said Ndimbo. The incident has raised concerns about fan behavior during high-profile matches, with Simba SC pledging full cooperation with authorities to address the issue and prevent future occurrences.
