SIMBA Sports Club has shifted its focus to final preparations for the decisive second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final against Morocco’s RS Berkane after efforts to host the match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam were officially ruled out.

Speaking during a press briefing held at the club’s headquarters in Oysterbay, Simba’s head of information and communications, Ahmed Ally (pictured), confirmed that the crucial fixture, scheduled for Sunday, May 25, will now be played at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, with kickoff at 4:00 PM.

Ally revealed that Simba had fought hard to secure approval for the match to be held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, mainly to accommodate the large fan base and reduce travel burdens for supporters coming from various regions of Tanzania.

“We made every effort for this match to be held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Our main intention was to ease the financial load for our fans, especially those traveling from far regions,” he said.

Ally noted that initial estimates indicated supporters might need no less than TSh 300,000 to travel to Zanzibar, attend the game, and return home an amount that could prove restrictive for many. 

“We have fans who already bought travel tickets from remote areas,” he explained. “Playing at Benjamin Mkapa would have allowed up to 60,000 fans to attend this historic match.”

Despite the setback, Ally emphasized that the club will not dwell on disappointment. 

“Our mission remains intact to win the CAF Confederation Cup. Now that our request has failed, there is no time to complain. We must begin full preparations for Sunday’s final,” he stated.

He confirmed that the team will travel to Zanzibar today to kick off their final training sessions ahead of the showdown with RS Berkane.

For fans who had already purchased match tickets for the anticipated Dar es Salaam venue, Ahmed offered reassurance. 

“Those tickets will remain valid and can be used later this year during the Simba Day festival, which will usher in the 2025/26 season.”

New ticket prices for the Amaan Complex match have been announced: VIP tickets will cost TSh 50,000, URUSI (mid-tier) tickets at TSh 30,000, and regular (Mzunguko) tickets at TSh 10,000.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released an official statement explaining the decision to reject Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for the final. 

CAF revealed that extensive consultations were held with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the Tanzanian government, and other stakeholders in an attempt to facilitate the hosting of the final at the iconic Dar es Salaam venue.

The statement explained that CAF’s decision aligns with its new policy introduced by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, which emphasizes close collaboration with all 54 member associations to ensure that clubs and national teams play in preferred and recognized home stadiums.

“This policy is part of President Motsepe’s broader vision to develop and promote club and national team football across all CAF Member Associations, while also strengthening financial sustainability and self-reliance,” the statement read.

CAF expressed gratitude to the Tanzania Football Federation, its president Wallace Karia, and the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports for their cooperation and dialogue. 

However, due to time constraints, CAF stated that an independent and highly respected international stadium assessment company concluded that key renovations and upgrades at Benjamin Mkapa could not be completed in time to host the May 25 final.

“As CAF communicated earlier in its official media release, the second leg final will now be staged at New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar,” the statement confirmed.

Looking ahead, CAF reiterated its commitment to continue working with TFF, the Tanzanian government, and all stakeholders to ensure that Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and other necessary infrastructure meet CAF standards in preparation for upcoming major tournaments, including the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.

The CHAN tournament, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, is set to kick off on August 2, 2025. 

CAF expressed confidence that the event will be a success, adding further urgency to the ongoing improvement of sports facilities across the region.

As Simba regroups in Zanzibar, the focus now shifts to tactical readiness and mental fortitude. With the club aiming to make history by clinching its first continental title, all eyes will be on the New Amaan Complex this Sunday when Tanzania’s football giants take on RS Berkane in a highly anticipated CAF Confederation Cup final.