Tanzania questions CAF’s decision to ban Benjamin Mkapa Stadium
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- Msigwa, who also serves as the Chief Government Spokesperson, further noted that CAF officials were present during the match and had advised that improvements be made. They also requested to inspect the pitch maintenance equipment.
The Tanzanian government has expressed its surprise over the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s decision to ban the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, arguing that CAF should have consulted them before taking such action, as the facility had already undergone renovations.
Speaking today, 12 March 2025, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, confirmed that the government received the announcement of the stadium’s closure this morning.
“It is true that we woke up today to the news that CAF has closed the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium due to issues with the pitch. Their inspection was conducted about two weeks ago, following the match between Simba and Azam. However, it is important to remember that we had already declared the stadium closed for renovations,” he said.
“These matches attract large crowds and involve numerous security measures. The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) had requested to use the stadium, and on the match day, the pitch had been trimmed down completely. Given the intensity of the game, players experienced some minor instability while running,” he explained.
Msigwa, who also serves as the Chief Government Spokesperson, further noted that CAF officials were present during the match and had advised that improvements be made. They also requested to inspect the pitch maintenance equipment.
