DR Congo referee to officiate Simba-Stellenbosch fixture
What you need to know:
- Ndala is an experienced official who has officiated a total of 81 international matches on the continent.
- He is no stranger to Simba SC, having officiated four of the club’s matches in previous continental competitions.
Dar es Salaam. The African football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has officially endorsed the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar to host the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semifinal match between Simba SC and Stellenbosch FC of South Africa.
In addition, CAF has appointed DR Congo referee Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo to officiate the highly anticipated encounter.
Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, the Secretary General of the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF), Hussein Ahmada Vuai, confirmed that the stadium had now been cleared for use following earlier uncertainty regarding its approval.
“Initially, CAF had not granted Simba the green light to use the stadium, as they were still awaiting official inspection reports,” said Vuai. “Simba submitted a request to use the venue, and their representatives came for an inspection. They were satisfied with the condition of the stadium, but since we (ZFF) are not the final authority, the matter had to be forwarded to CAF.”
Vuai expressed his satisfaction with the latest development and stated that CAF had finally approved the venue.
“We are pleased that today (yesterday), CAF responded positively and granted Simba permission to use the New Amaan Complex as the match venue,” he said.
He further disclosed that the ZFF has already begun preparations for the crucial semifinal clash, which is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 PM.
“Ticket prices have already been set,” Vuai revealed. “Fans who choose to sit behind the goals will pay Sh10,000. Those opting for seats in the Russian Stand will be charged Sh20,000, while fans wishing to enjoy the action from the VIP Wing will pay Sh40,000.”
Vuai added that tickets for the match will officially go on sale today through the N-Card system.
Meanwhile, CAF has confirmed that DR Congo referee Jean Jacques Ndala will take charge of the encounter. Ndala is an experienced official who has officiated a total of 81 international matches on the continent.
He is no stranger to Simba SC, having officiated four of the club’s matches in previous continental competitions.
Ndala first officiated a Simba match during the group stage of the 2018/2019 CAF Champions League. On that occasion, Simba lost 2-0 to JS Saoura of Algeria in a match played on September 3, 2019, at Stade 20 Août 1955.
He later oversaw a first-round CAF Champions League tie in the 2021/2022 season, in which Simba triumphed 2-0 away against Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana on October 17, 2021.
The Congolese referee also officiated Simba’s 1-0 home victory against Moroccan side RS Berkane at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
His most recent match involving Simba came during the African Football League, where he officiated the 1-1 away draw against Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
With Ndala's familiarity with Simba and the official confirmation of the venue, fans can now look forward to a thrilling encounter in Zanzibar as Simba aim to secure a strong start in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semifinal.
