The Pamba Jiji football team was involved in a road accident early Sunday morning while traveling to Morogoro for their CRDB Bank Federation Cup match against Kiluvya United, scheduled for March 11, 2025. The accident occurred at around 11:00 AM in Bahi District, Dodoma Region.
According to a statement released by the club, the accident happened when the team bus was hit by a truck belonging to Mwanza Huduma Company.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but some players and staff members sustained minor injuries and were left in shock. The club assured fans that medical personnel were attending to those affected.
Speaking about the incident, Pamba Jiji’s head coach, Hamis Juma, described the terrifying moment when the accident occurred.
“We were all relaxed in the bus, some players were sleeping, and others were chatting. Suddenly, we felt a huge impact, and everything turned chaotic. We are grateful that everyone is safe, but it was a scary experience,” he said.
Juma also emphasized the psychological effect the accident had on his squad. “Some players are still in shock, and we are trying to ensure they get the necessary support.
Traveling long distances for matches is part of football, but safety should always be prioritized,” he added.
The team was en route from Kagera, where they had played an NBC Tanzania Premier League match against Kagera Sugar, suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat.
They were heading to Morogoro for the crucial cup fixture when the unfortunate incident occurred.
One of the senior players, Hassan Ramadhani, narrated his experience. “The moment of impact was terrifying. We thank God that no one was seriously hurt.
However, some of our teammates are shaken, and we hope to recover quickly both physically and mentally,” he said.
Club chairman, Rashid Mgaya, reassured fans and stakeholders that the team was receiving the necessary assistance.
“As soon as we received the news, we mobilized medical support and transport assistance. The health of our players and staff is our top priority.
We will assess the situation before deciding our next course of action regarding the upcoming match,” he stated.
The accident has raised concerns about the safety of football teams traveling across the country, with some fans and sports analysts calling for better transport arrangements and safety measures for teams playing in various competitions.
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) also responded to the incident, expressing relief that there were no serious injuries.
“We are in contact with Pamba Jiji officials to monitor the situation. Player safety is paramount, and we will discuss how best to enhance travel arrangements for teams,” said TFF spokesperson, Frank Malima.
Despite the traumatic experience, Pamba Jiji remains focused on their upcoming match against Kiluvya United. The club’s management will soon announce whether the match will proceed as planned or be rescheduled.
Football fans across Tanzania have sent messages of encouragement to the team, wishing them a speedy recovery.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges teams face while traveling for fixtures, highlighting the importance of safety precautions on the roads.