Simba responds to fan ban with public screen at Mwembe Yanga

DAR ES SALAAM: AS Simba prepares for CAF Champions League clash against Gaborone United this Sunday, they confirmed that the match will take place behind closed doors following disciplinary sanctions imposed by CAF.

However, they are turning the setback into an opportunity to unite fans in a new way. By putting a public screen at Mwembe Yanga, Temeke, Dar es Salaam.

Simba’s Communication Manager, Ahmed Ally, confirmed that the decision to ban fans from attending the match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium stems from incidents during previous fixtures.

“We understand that we have a CAF Champions League match on Sunday at (Benjamin) Mkapa Stadium, kicking off at 4pm and our guests Gaborone United have already arrived, early yesterday,” said Ally.

The match will be officiated by referees from Niger, who are already en route. Simba’s squad entered residential camp immediately after their domestic game against Fountain Gate and is in full fitness, except for Mohammed Bajaber and Abdulrazak Hamza, who will miss the fixture.

CAF’s punishment, however, looms large.

“I’m here to confirm that our Sunday match will be played without fans as part of a CAF penalty. The incident occurred during the game against Al Masry, where a fan entered the pitch and some fans lit fireworks. That led to a 50,000 US dollars (120m/-) fine,” Ally explained.

Simba also face an additional 35,000 US dollars (82.5m/-) fine for similar actions during the CAF Confederation Cup final a g a i n s t RS Berk a n e , bringing the t o t a l f i n e t o 85,000 US dollars (200m/-).

“The first loss is playing without our fans, the second is losing out on match day revenue and the third has to p a y these fines. CAF is now keeping a close eye on us (Simba SC). We must show them we have changed starting now,” said Ally.

In a gesture of solidarity, Simba fans have volunteered to contribute towards paying the fines. The club has officially welcomed this support, especially for the penalty costs. “Some fans have come forward, wanting to share the burden we are facing. We have accepted their help, especially in contributing to the fine,” said Ally.

Despite the closed stadium, Simba SC has arranged a lively alternative for fans in Dar es Salaam. In partnership with club sponsor Mo Cola, a public viewi n g event will take place at Mwembe Yanga with a large screen and fan-focused activities.

“Mo Cola insisted that Simba fans shouldn’t just stay at home. There will be no entry fee, but fans must wear the new Simba jersey. Drinks will be available and we’ll also have entertainment before the match,” Ally added.

“There’ll be a very large screen our aim is for fans to clearly see Morice Abraham, to see Jonathan Sowah and to do that, you need a proper screen. Mo Cola and NMB Bank made it happen.”

NMB Bank will also be present at the event to assist fans with opening bank accounts, as part of a broader engagement initiative with Simba SC supporters.

In closing, Ally called on fans to embrace responsible behaviour going forward: “Let’s stop the violence in stadiums. If you see someone lighting fireworks or trying to enter the pitch, stop them. Let’s protect each other. This is not about blame; it’s about reminding ourselves to do better.”