Mayay: Yanga, Simba will have to find new venues for CAF Champions League games

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's football giants, Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba, are required to seek alternative venues for their CAF Champions League matches following the closure of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

The stadium has been closed down to allow for renovations to take place.

The two teams used the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for their Champions League matches, while their Mainland Tanzania Premier League duels shifted to the Azam Complex.

Speaking in a telephone interview from Ivory Coast, director of Sports Development, Ally Mayay, said that the ongoing renovation at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium does not allow the two teams to use it for their CAF Champions League encounters. That is why they have been advised to find another venue.

“We are committed to avoiding any disruptions to the ongoing construction activities, which are scheduled to conclude by August this year,” said Mayay.

Mayay said the alternative venues are the Azam Complex or the New Amaan Sports Complex in Zanzibar, both of which have been endorsed by the African football governing body to host its competition matches.

Mayay added that the New Amaan Sports Complex is highly acceptable due to its capacity and other essential features that meet CAF rules and regulations.

The two teams might also opt for venues in neighbouring countries.

Yanga, positioned in Group D of the CAF Champions League, is set to encounter the formidable CR Belouizdad from Algeria on February 24. Meanwhile, Simba, placed in Group A, eagerly awaits their match against Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana, scheduled for March 2. The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium's manager, Milinde Mahona, said that the stadium remains closed until further notice.