Venue shift complicates Simba’s travel plans

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s envoys in the CAF Champions League, Simba SC, will have to travel more 400 kilometres to face Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana following the change of venue made by the African football governing body (CAF).

Originally the match was slated to take place at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone, but CAF has shifted the encounter to the Francis Town's Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, requiring Simba to cover an additional 400 kilometres.

CAF decided to shift the match to the new venue after the Botswana National Stadium failed to meet the criteria set by CAF's rules and regulations.

This sudden change presents logistical challenges for Simba, impacting their travel plans and potentially influencing their performance on the field.

Simba, contemplating their travel options, are now forced to reassess their plans for the journey to the new venue.

 Ahmed Ally, Simba's information officer, confirmed the venue change, saying that the club's officials are currently evaluating different travel options ahead of the crucial encounter.

If Simba opt for a flight to Gaborone, they will then need to hire a shuttle to cover the remaining 400 kilometres to Francis Town to play the match.

The club's management is in the process of deciding whether to charter a special flight for convenience or adhere to the altered travel itinerary.

"Our club management will decide and give the answer, but currently, we have received a report on the venue changes that will make us travel by bus for not less than 400 kilometres. Let us decide on the matter,” said Ally.

The uncertainty surrounding the mode of travel adds an additional layer of complexity to Simba's preparations for the match.

Despite the challenges posed by the venue change and the subsequent adjustments in travel plans, Simba remain focused on their training programme.

The team's players are currently undergoing intensive training sessions in preparation for the crucial encounter in group B of the CAF Champions League.

Simba's journey in the tournament has been marked by a 1-1 draw against Asec Mimosas of Ivory Coast at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam last weekend.

With only one point on the board, securing victory against Jwaneng Galaxy becomes vital for Simba to revive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage of the competition.

Jwaneng Galaxy, leading group B with three points, secured their position with a 1-0 away victory against Wydad Club Athletic at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

Simba recognises the significance of this upcoming match as they strive to bounce back in the competition and position themselves favourably for progression in the CAF Champions League.