The Minister for Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, has instructed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to immediately issue a letter to Simba SC, with a copy to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), demanding payment for damages caused to the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium during their recent CAF Confederation Cup match.
Simba SC triumphed with a 2-1 victory against CS Sfaxien of Tunisia in the group stage match held yesterday at the iconic Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Despite the on-field success, the match was marred by reports of fan misconduct, including the destruction of spectator seats.
Speaking to the media, Prof. Kabudi condemned the vandalism, describing it as a disgrace to the sport. He emphasized that such behavior not only tarnishes the reputation of Tanzanian football but also imposes unnecessary financial burdens on the government.
“What happened yesterday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is completely unacceptable and unsportsmanlike,” said the Minister. “I am directing the Permanent Secretary to ensure Simba SC is held accountable for the damages. Additionally, TFF and law enforcement must collaborate to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for removing and destroying the seats. This behavior must stop immediately.”
The Minister also appealed to football fans to uphold discipline and protect the country's sports infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the stadium's quality, given its status as one of Tanzania's premier sporting facilities and a venue for hosting high-profile international matches.
“We urge fans to respect this stadium, which serves as a national asset.
Acts of vandalism not only cause financial loss but also degrade the quality of our stadium, which is crucial for hosting major tournaments,” he added.
The Ministry expressed its disappointment over the incident, urging clubs to educate their fans about the importance of sportsmanship and responsible behavior. Clubs are now warned to ensure fan discipline, as any future incidents could result in heavier penalties, including potential bans from hosting matches at the stadium.
Simba SC, one of Tanzania's most prominent football clubs, has yet to issue a public statement regarding the Minister's directive. Meanwhile, TFF is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance and taking the necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
With Simba's impressive CAF Confederation Cup campaign underway, it is imperative for both the club and its fans to focus on upholding the spirit of football. The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium remains a key venue for Tanzania's sporting ambitions, and ensuring its preservation is vital for the growth of football in the country.