We gave it our all
DAR ES SALAAM: KIBU Denis, the hero of Simba SC’s 2-1 victory over CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confederation Cup Group A, attributed the team’s success to their unwavering dedication and effort.
Speaking after the match at Benjamin Mkapa’s stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, Denis said every moment of the game was significant and that they persevered until the final whistle.
“We gave it all as a team. Even as the minutes flew by, we did not quit. Every second counted and we remained focused and believed we could make it possible. It was a tough game, but our hard work and belief in each other brought us through,” Denis said, his excitement evident after the match.
The striker, who played a key role in the win, also spoke about how every player contributed to the success. “Football is a game of mistakes and it was those moments that gave us the fighting spirit to keep pushing. With the motivation from our coach, we kept believing and we did it,” Denis explained.
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His words stressed not only his individual contributions but also the team’s unwavering commitment to securing the win.
Simba’s victory, which earned them six points in Group A, has kept their hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals alive.
The team’s performance was celebrated by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who congratulated the players through her social media platforms, including Instagram and X handles.
“Congratulations to Simba SC for their victory in the CAF Confederation Cup match against CS Sfaxien.
“You continue to bring joy and entertainment to us Tanzanians by representing our country’s flag well on the international stage, while we remain united in work, peace, unity, calm and solidarity. I wish you all the best in your upcoming matches,” she wrote.
As a gesture of support, President Samia also rewarded the team with 10m/-, following her promise to award 5m/- for every goal scored. With two goals in the match, the team received the full amount, which was handed over to the team captain, Mohamed Hussein on behalf of the players.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports expressed deep concern over the actions of fans who vandalised seats at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium during the match.
In a statement, the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Palamagamba Kabudi, condemned the vandalism and directed the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary to take immediate action by writing to Simba, with a copy sent to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), demanding that the costs of the damage be reimbursed.
Kabudi further called on fans to stop engaging in destructive behaviour at sports venues, stressing the financial losses such actions cause to the government and the negative impact they have on the quality of sports facilities.
“The actions that took place at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium yesterday are unacceptable and unprofessional. I have directed the Permanent Secretary to take immediate action. In addition to writing to Simba and TFF, I have instructed the police to collaborate in ensuring that those responsible for tearing and throwing seats are apprehended and face legal consequences. This behaviour must be stopped,” stated Kabudi.
The Ministry’s swift response underlines the importance of maintaining order and respect at sports events and ensuring that such incidents do not tarnish the reputation of Tanzanian sports facilities.
