Dar es Salaam – Despite falling short of lifting the CAF Confederation Cup trophy, Simba SC received a rapturous welcome this afternoon as they returned to Dar es Salaam from Zanzibar, where they played out a 1-1 draw against Morocco’s RS Berkane in the second leg of the tournament’s final.
The draw meant Simba missed out on the 2024/2025 title, with RS Berkane crowned champions on aggregate. However, the mood at the Dar es Salaam Port told a different story one of celebration, pride, and unwavering support.
Arriving at 1:10 p.m. by boat, the Simba squad was greeted by large crowds of jubilant fans, traditional drumming groups, and anthems of praise echoing through the port.
The atmosphere resembled that of a victory parade more than the return of a team that narrowly missed continental glory.
Supporters sang the names of players, coaches, and club leaders, celebrating Simba’s historic run to the final and the resilience shown throughout the tournament.
The festive reception temporarily disrupted activities at the port, a clear indication of the emotional investment fans have in their team.
Reaching the final of the CAF Confederation Cup is a rare achievement for clubs from East Africa, a region still striving for consistent representation at the highest levels of African football.
Simba’s run to the final is a testament to the club’s growing stature, strategic planning, and depth of talent.
Although the trophy slipped away, the club secured a significant financial reward of TSh 2.7 billion (approximately $1 million) from CAF resources that can be reinvested to strengthen the squad and infrastructure.
What stood out most was the fans' reaction. Instead of mourning the loss, they celebrated the journey. Their chants, dances, and visible joy reflected a growing maturity in how football success is perceived acknowledging effort, progress, and pride in representation as victories in their own right.
The reception underscored that Simba’s campaign was not defined by the final scoreline, but by its ability to inspire, compete at the highest level, and elevate Tanzanian football on the continental stage.
