SIMBA Sports Club departed for Zanzibar yesterday afternoon as they enter the final stretch of preparations for one of the most significant fixtures in their history, the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final against Moroccan giants RS Berkane.

The high-stakes match is scheduled to take place this Sunday at the newly renovated New Amaan Complex, with kick-off set for 4:00 PM.

The Msimbazi Street-based side are aiming to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg played in Morocco and make history by becoming the first Tanzanian club to win the prestigious continental title. 

The trip to Zanzibar marks a crucial phase in the club’s preparation, with the entire squad traveling together, signaling unity and determination ahead of the decisive showdown.

Simba's Information Manager, Ahmed Ally, confirmed the squad’s departure and emphasized the magnitude of the occasion. He expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and noted that every player understands the importance of the mission ahead.

“Our players are in high spirits and have been training with intensity and focus since returning from Morocco,” said Ally. “The mission is simple but ambitious we want to overturn the result and bring the trophy home to Tanzania. This would be a historic achievement not only for Simba but for Tanzanian football as a whole.”

Throughout their Confederation Cup campaign, Simba have enjoyed an unblemished home record. Ally highlighted that the team has overcome some of the continent’s strongest sides, including Egypt’s Al Masry and Algeria’s CS Constantine, in earlier knockout rounds at home.

“Simba have proven their strength on home soil,” he said. “We have not lost a single international match this season at home. Our fans have been instrumental in creating a powerful and intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams, and we urge them to pack the New Amaan Complex on Sunday. This final should be remembered for all the right reasons.”

Ally also drew attention to the emotional weight of this match, referencing Simba’s painful experience in the 1993 CAF Cup final, when they suffered a 2-0 home defeat and missed out on continental glory. 

He insisted the club is determined to rewrite history and not let such disappointment repeat itself.

“It’s been over 30 years since that heartbreaking moment,” he said. “This generation of players has a golden opportunity to do what no Tanzanian club has ever done. We are carrying the hopes of millions of fans and the pride of our nation. We are fully focused on making this moment count.”

To ensure strong local support, Simba and organizers have officially announced ticket prices for the final. VIP A seats will be available for TSh 50,000, while fans can secure seats in the Urusi Stand for Sh 30,000. 

General admission to the other sections of the stadium will be Sh 10,000, a move aimed at making the match accessible to fans from all walks of life.

In addition, Ally clarified the status of tickets that had been sold for the originally scheduled venue Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam before the final was moved to Zanzibar. 

He confirmed that those tickets will still be valid, but for a different event.

“The tickets will be honored during Simba’s special anniversary match, which is scheduled to take place in August this year,” he said. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of our supporters, and we promise to make it up to them with a celebration worthy of the club’s legacy.”

The relocation of the match to the New Amaan Complex comes after the stadium’s recent upgrade, which brought it up to CAF standards. The venue is now set to host a landmark occasion as Simba chase continental history on Tanzanian soil.

As Sunday draws nearer, excitement is building across the nation. Zanzibar is expected to welcome thousands of fans from both the Isles and the mainland, all eager to witness a potentially historic moment in Tanzanian football.

With confidence running high, a determined squad, and the backing of passionate fans, Simba are poised for what could become a crowning moment in the club’s proud legacy. 

All eyes now turn to Amaan Complex on Sunday, where 90 minutes will decide whether Simba can make their long-awaited dream come true.