Boost for Simba as CAF lifts ban on Mkapa, New Amaan Complex

Dar es Salaam. Simba Sports Club officials can finally breathe a sigh of relief after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially endorsed both Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and New Amaan Complex for use in international competitions.

This comes as a welcome development after CAF had previously imposed a ban on Benjamin Mkapa Stadium due to concerns about its pitch, while New Amaan Complex also faced restrictions due to required improvements to the pitch and media center.

Simba will host Al Masry on April 9 for the return leg of the CAF Confederation Cup knockout stage. 

The first match will be held on April 2 at the New Suez Stadium, also known as as-Suways (Suez), located in Ismailia. The match will kick off at 7pm East Africa Time.

The good news was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, who revealed that CAF officials had conducted an inspection at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and were "satisfied" with the improvements made to the pitch. 

Msigwa shared that, despite the positive feedback from CAF, the government was still waiting for the official report.

“As I mentioned before, the stadium’s pitch was ready well before CAF’s decision to impose the ban. CAF inspectors were at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Monday, March 24, for the inspection. The report is positive, and we are now just waiting for the official confirmation,” said Msigwa.

In response to concerns about New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) Secretary General, Hussein Ahmada Vuai, also confirmed that CAF had lifted the ban on the stadium.

The confirmation came after an inspection by CAF’s inspector, Avellin Basegeta Umurundi, who expressed satisfaction with the upgrades to the pitch and media tribune. As a result, the New Amaan Complex is now eligible to host international competitions, including those governed by CAF.

“CAF inspector visited us yesterday and was satisfied with the improvements. Now, Simba can use New Amaan Complex if Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is still under restrictions. We have been in discussions with Simba’s CEO, Zubeda Sakuru, and she has shown full support for the matter,” said Vuai.

The development is a significant relief for Simba SC, who had been facing uncertainty regarding where they would host their CAF competition matches. With Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the country’s most prominent facility, now cleared for international use and New Amaan Complex available as an alternative, Simba’s continental campaign is back on track.

For a club like Simba SC, which has ambitious aspirations in African club competitions, the possibility of using these two stadiums for crucial matches is invaluable.

The endorsement of both stadiums signals not only a win for Simba but also an important step in improving the overall football infrastructure in Tanzania.

These developments come at a time when the country's football scene is working hard to elevate its standards on the continental stage.

Simba’s participation in the CAF Confederation Cup is a key milestone for the club as they continue to strive for excellence in African football. 

With stadium issues now resolved, the team can fully focus on their performances on the pitch, starting with their crucial away match against Al Masry on April 2.

Having a home advantage for the return leg on April 9 will be vital for Simba as they seek to progress further in the competition.

The approval of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and New Amaan Complex ensures that the team will have a proper venue to host its opponents, providing fans with the opportunity to support their team on home soil.