…Z’bar announces cheap tickets to boost turnout for tournament

ZANZIBAR: IN a spirited effort to ensure a packed New Amaan Complex and vibrant home support during the upcoming 2024 CHAN tournament, Zanzibar has unveiled affordable ticket prices and shared promising updates on tournament preparations ahead of the kickoff on August 5.

Addressing journalists, Minister for Information, Youths, Culture and Sports, Tabia Maulid Mwita, revealed that preparations are over 90 per cent complete, with several participating teams already arriving on the Islands.

“We are in a good place with our preparations and are nearing the finish line. Most of the requirements set by CAF have been met,” said Minister Tabia.

She credited the successful preparations to the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the United Republic of Tanzania and President Hussein Ali Mwinyi of Zanzibar, noting their joint commitment to upgrading the sports infrastructure.

“We must thank our presidents for prioritising infrastructure improvements and this is the main reason CHAN is being hosted in both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar,” she emphasised.

One of the key CAF requirements addressed was the upgrading of the New Amaan Complex, including installation of additional CCTV cameras and modifications to the team benches to ensure unobstructed views for fans seated behind them.

ALSO READ: CHAN 2024 opportunity to elevate Kiswahili –Govt

Minister Tabia made a heartfelt appeal to the public: “I urge citizens to turn out in large numbers for all CHAN matches. Let us support the massive investment made in our sports infrastructure. It would be disheartening to see empty seats in our stadiums when we’ve worked so hard to earn the right to host this continental tournament.”

Suleiman Mahmoud Jabir, President of the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) and a member of CAF’s Local Organising Committee, echoed the call for public support and unveiled the highly subsidised ticket prices as 1,000/-, 2,000/- and 5,000/-.

“These prices are incredibly affordable— what more could fans ask for? Let’s pack the New Amaan Complex, which can accommodate 15,000 spectators. We’re fully prepared and ready to welcome Africa to Zanzibar,” said Jabir.

Jabir also confirmed that four powerhouse national teams – Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Senegal and Sudan will be based in Zanzibar for the tournament.

He added that CAF officials and other international dignitaries have already begun arriving on the Island ahead of the tournament opener.