Simba fans paint Zanzibar red

ZANZIBAR: WITH a mountain to climb after a 2-0 first-leg defeat away to Morocco’s RS Berkane at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, Tanzanian giants Simba are refusing to back down.

The second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final is set for Sunday, May 26 at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, and the build-up has already taken a fever-pitch turn.

On Thursday, the streets of Zanzibar were awash with red and white, Simba’s traditional colours, as jubilant fans from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar launched a vibrant show of support for their beloved club.

The celebrations kicked off early in the morning at Zanzibar Port in Unguja, spilling through Malindi, Darajani and Haile Selassie Street, accompanied by loud music, drums, vuvuzelas, chants, and dancing.

The passion was not just in the noise. Supporters wore custom T-shirts emblazoned with the Swahili slogan ‘Hii Tunabeba’, which translates to ‘We will lift the trophy’. Among the sea of supporters was Simba’s Head of Communication, Ahmed Ally and notably, former club chairman Hassan Dalali, who joined the festivities with an energetic dance.

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Speaking to the crowd, Dalali recalled a moment of football glory and national pride: “In 1993, late President (Ali Hassan) Mwinyi was the guest of honour and the trophy came home. This Sunday, President (Hussein Ali) Mwinyi, will again be our guest — if the trophy leaves us, we won’t accept it. Simba is representing the whole nation.

Anyone who goes against us is sabotaging the country.” Dalali noted unity and fan support: “These young men want the cup. Let’s give them our full backing by cheering non-stop throughout the match. We have a very strong team. Come to the stadium and support our boys. We pray to the Almighty that this be our year.” Also present was Chumbuni Member of Parliament and Mwembe Makumbi City owner, Ussi Pondeza, who called for fans to arrive early on May 25 to show relentless support.

He stressed the significance of the moment: “The biggest duty we have is to honour the son of the late President Mwinyi, our current President, Hussein Mwinyi. And the best way to honour him is by giving him the trophy.” With excitement building and spirits high, Simba SC prepare for what could be a historic night, backed by the deafening roar of fans who believe that despite the odds; ‘Hii Tunabeba’.