TFF: Stamped a hard earned lesson

THE Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) said a big lesson has been learnt from the stampede which occurred before the CAF Confederation Cup first leg final match between Young Africans against USM Alger on Sunday.

During the incident at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, one football fan identified as William Mhwani passed away while several others escaped with different degrees of injuries and were treated at Temeke Referral Hospital.

But, in his reaction following the tragedy, TFF’s Competitions Manager Salum Madadi insisted that the incident has imparted them with lessons in order to stop its recurrence in the future.

“On the day, it was evident that the security personnel would be overwhelmed because big presence of fans was seen as early as 9:00 am.

“The massive turn out of people has shown the world that Tanzanians have passion of football and this is the good image we have managed to showcase,” Madadi said.

He, however, insisted that the issue of security should never be left to the federation alone but rather, it has to be the responsibility of every person who goes at the stadium.

“Of course, Tanzanians love football a lot but safety should be the top priority meaning that lives of people should be protected at all cost… safety first and football second,” Madadi reiterated.

Adding, he said the incident has also alarmed the country’s football governing body to have an eagle’s eye whenever games which attract a big number of people are staged.

Moreover, he urged Tanzanians to have a culture of purchasing tickets in advance at least one or two weeks before the game itself in order to reduce congestion on the match day.

In another development, Madadi disclosed that the reason they have picked June 12th for the Azam Sports Federation Cup (ASFC) finale is to provide room for the commencement of FIFA date which begins on June 12th to 20th.

The finalists of the contest are the defending champions Young Africans who will lock horns with Azam in a thrilling duel at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga.

Yanga are searching to defend the silverware for the second time in a row to seal a treble of titles whereas Azam are keen to bag it to finish the season with a trophy in their cupboard.