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Dar es salaam,Simba SC has urged their supporters to remain patient and focused as rumors swirl about a potential venue change for the return leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final against Moroccan side RS Berkane.
The highly anticipated match, initially scheduled for May 25 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, has been the subject of speculation following reports that the fixture might be moved to the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Simba, who had already begun ticket sales for the match, confirmed that VIP and Platinum tickets had sold out.
However, the club reassured fans on its official Instagram page that a final decision regarding the venue would be communicated after the first leg, scheduled for May 17 at Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco.
Speaking to journalists in Morocco, Simba’s Media Officer, Ahmed Ally, addressed the mounting confusion and urged fans to focus on the upcoming away match. Ally emphasized that, despite the circulating rumors, the club’s focus remains squarely on the first leg.
“We’ve seen reports suggesting that the second leg has been moved to Amaan Complex in Zanzibar,” Ally said.
“I want to assure our supporters that, as of now, our entire focus management and players is on the first leg in Morocco. We are not letting any distractions affect our preparations for this crucial match.”he added
Ally reiterated that Simba would issue an official statement regarding the return leg’s venue immediately after the first leg in Morocco.
He encouraged fans to continue purchasing tickets for the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as originally planned, stressing that no changes had been made to the arrangements at this stage.
The speculation surrounding the venue change stemmed from a letter that surfaced on social media, allegedly from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).
The letter, reportedly addressed to TFF Secretary General Alfred Kidau, suggested that the final could be moved to Amaan Stadium.
The letter cited a technical assessment conducted by CAF’s international pitch consultants, who had recommended the change due to the ongoing rainy season in Mainland Tanzania.
The letter reportedly stated: “Following technical assessments by CAF’s international pitch consultants, and considering the current rainy season in Tanzania, it has been strongly recommended, purely from a technical standpoint, that the final be relocated to Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.”he added
Despite this, Simba’s management has remained steadfast, with Ally reaffirming that preparations for the match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium are progressing as planned.
TFF officials have not confirmed the authenticity of the letter. When reached by the Daily News, TFF Spokesperson Clifford Ndimbo dismissed the rumors, saying, “You want me to confirm social media rumors? If we receive any official communication, we will provide a proper statement.”
Efforts to reach TFF Secretary General Alfred Kidau for clarification were unsuccessful, as his phone remained unreachable. 
Similarly, calls to Gerson Msigwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports, went unanswered. However, Msigwa had previously reassured the public that the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium would be ready for the final.
The confusion escalated when CAF posted a video on their website, seemingly confirming that the second leg of the final would be held at Amaan Stadium.
This new development has further fueled uncertainty, leaving fans and the public eagerly awaiting an official statement from CAF and TFF.
As the first leg approaches, Simba SC’s management is calling for patience, urging supporters to stay focused on the upcoming match in Morocco.
With a potential title on the line, the tension surrounding the venue change is adding an extra layer of drama to the already high-stakes encounter.
Simba’s fans, many of whom have already purchased tickets for the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, are hoping for a swift resolution to the venue confusion.
The situation remains fluid, and all eyes are on the final decisions that will be made in the coming days. Simba’s management has promised to update their supporters immediately following the first leg in Morocco, but for now, the focus is on securing a strong result in the away match on May 17.
Source Daily News