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Simba SC, Stellenbosch to clash at Amaan Complex
New Amaan Complex. The stadium will host the CAF Confederation Cup semifinal match between Simba and South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC on April 20, 2025. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- The high-stakes encounter is scheduled to kick off at 4pm.
Dar es Salaam. It is now official that Simba SC will host the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup semifinal clash against South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, instead of their traditional home ground, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The high-stakes encounter is scheduled to kick off at 4pm. This change in venue follows a government directive to temporarily suspend all football activities at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to allow for urgent renovations, particularly focused on upgrading the facility’s drainage system.
The decision stems from a chaotic scene during Simba’s quarterfinal second-leg match against Egypt’s Al Masry, where heavy rainfall exposed serious flaws in the stadium’s drainage.
Waterlogged patches on the pitch significantly disrupted play, forcing emergency crews to use mattresses in a desperate attempt to absorb the water and restore playing conditions.
In the aftermath, the government issued a statement suspending all scheduled events at the stadium and instructed all clubs, including Simba SC, to seek alternative venues for their upcoming fixtures.
Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports stressed the need to address infrastructure issues to ensure the stadium meets international standards going forward.
A highly placed source has confirmed that Simba, in collaboration with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), has chosen the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar as the most suitable alternative. Preparations are already in full swing, and the venue has passed inspection to host the high-profile semifinal.
According to the same source, a delegation led by Simba official Abbas Ally, alongside other club representatives, held successful talks with the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF).
The discussions included a thorough inspection of the stadium and agreement on logistical arrangements, ensuring that all Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements would be fulfilled.
The source added that an agreement has been reached with the stadium management, and the match will proceed as originally scheduled.
Simba’s semifinal opponents, Stellenbosch FC, have been formally notified about the change of venue and are expected to arrive in Zanzibar two days before the match to acclimatize and complete final preparations.
Hosting such a crucial CAF semifinal match in Zanzibar offers a rare and exciting opportunity for football fans in the Isles to witness continental action up close.
The New Amaan Complex, which has undergone significant renovations to meet international standards, stands ready to host a fixture of this magnitude.
Simba fans from across Tanzania, including Zanzibar, are expected to travel in large numbers to cheer on their team as they aim to secure a vital first-leg advantage before heading to South Africa for the return leg the following week.
With continental glory within reach, Simba SC will be hoping to make a strong statement on the road to their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup final.
