Simba-RS Berkane CAF Cup final preparations heat up

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants, Simba SC, will depart for Zanzibar today ahead of their historic CAF Confederation Cup final showdown against Morocco’s RS Berkane.

The decisive second-leg encounter is slated for Sunday at the newly refurbished New Amaan Complex from 4pm.

Simba’s information manager, Ahmed Ally, confirmed that the full squad will make the trip, highlighting the importance of the fixture.

He expressed the team’s readiness and determination to overturn the 2-0 defeat suffered in the first leg played in Morocco—and secure what would be a landmark achievement for Tanzanian football.

“The players are in high spirits and have been training intensively since the match in Morocco.

Our mission is clear—to overturn the result and bring the trophy home. 

We have maintained a perfect home record throughout this campaign, and we are confident of keeping it intact,” said Ally.

He pointed out that Simba had overcome several formidable opponents in earlier rounds at home, including Egyptian side Al Masry and Algeria’s CS Constantine, and insisted that RS Berkane should expect similar resistance.

“We have demonstrated our strength at home this season and have not lost any international match. Our fans have been instrumental in creating an intimidating atmosphere, and we urge them to come out in full force at Amaan Stadium.

We want this final to be remembered for all the right reasons,” he added. Ally also drew attention to the painful memories of the 1993 CAF Cup final, in which Simba lost 2-0 at home, missing out on continental glory. He said the club is determined not to let history repeat itself. “It has been over three decades since that heartbreaking loss.

 We are carrying the hopes of our fans and the nation, and we are fully focused on making this moment count,” he stressed. In terms of match access, ticket prices for the final have been officially announced.

VIP A seats will cost Sh50, 000, while fans can sit in the Urusi Stand for Sh30, 000. General admission to the remaining sections of the stadium will be Sh10, 000, ensuring a range of options for supporters.

For fans who had already purchased tickets for the originally scheduled match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Ally clarified that those tickets will still be valid—but for a different event.

He said the tickets will be honored during Simba’s special anniversary match, set to be held in August this year.

Sunday’s final presents Simba with a rare and golden opportunity to make history by becoming the first Tanzanian club to win the CAF Confederation Cup.