The Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports has announced the temporary closure of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for essential repairs, following significant damage to the playing surface caused by recent heavy rains.
The closure will also affect the venue for the upcoming Confederation Cup quarter-final match between Simba SC and Egypt's Al Masry.
Simba SC secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Confederation Cup after eliminating Al Masry in the return leg of the quarter-finals, which took place at the stadium.
A statement from the Ministry’s Government Communications Unit revealed that a team of experts will immediately begin a thorough assessment of the damage. The exact date for the closure of the stadium will be announced in due course.
"The Ministry has decided to close the stadium starting today (the day after the match) following the completion of the Simba vs. Al Masry game, in order to carry out urgent repairs to the affected playing area," the statement stated.
As a result of this decision, all teams that were scheduled to use the stadium, including those competing in international tournaments, are requested to seek alternative venues while the government works to complete the repairs as quickly as possible.
The Ministry also apologized for the inconvenience caused by the closure.
Gerson Msigwa, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and Chief Government Spokesperson, confirmed the announcement and called on Tanzanians to be patient as the necessary repairs are carried out.
