Simba SC are turning Sunday’s CAF Champions League return-leg match against Equatorial Guinea’s 15 de Agosto into an occasion to celebrate the team’s progress in the continental competition, while rallying supporters behind the club’s push for a place in the group stage.
The match, scheduled for October 25 at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, will kick off at 4pm, an hour later than the first leg, Simba’s Information and Communications Manager Ahmed Ally said.
Ally said the team had returned safely from Equatorial Guinea and had begun preparations for the encounter, which the club wants to combine with a strong performance and recognition of the players’ efforts this season.
He urged fans to fill the stadium and use the occasion to celebrate the team’s achievements, while emphasising that the players still needed their support on the pitch.
Although Simba are in a strong position to advance, Ally said the team needed to maintain its attacking momentum and improve its goal tally.
Simba have scored six goals in the campaign so far, he said, pointing to another Tanzanian club that progressed after scoring eight goals as an indication of the importance of finishing chances.
The club has announced ticket prices of TZS5,000 for ordinary stands, TZS30,000 for VIP and TZS150,000 for Platinum seats. All tickets will be sold online through Simba’s ticketing platform.
Ally said the online system would allow supporters to buy tickets conveniently without having to visit physical sales points.
“The system will make ticket purchases easier because fans can buy their tickets from home, work or while travelling. Those without smartphones can seek assistance from friends or neighbours,” he said.
Beyond the match itself, Simba will use the occasion to recognise striker Ibrahim Doumbia, who has been named guest of honour following his contribution to the team and the challenges he has faced since joining the club.
Doumbia scored twice in the previous match, a performance Ally said deserved recognition from supporters.
He said the striker would enter the pitch last and be welcomed with applause, in a gesture aimed at acknowledging his persistence despite criticism.
The tribute also reflects the club’s appeal for patience with players who need time to adapt before delivering their best performances.
Ally contrasted Doumbia’s experience with that of Nathaniel Chilambo, whom he cited as an example of a player who made an immediate impact after joining Simba.
“For Simba fans, when a player is signed, two things can happen. Some players start performing well immediately, like Nathaniel Chilambo, while others need time before they begin to deliver. That is where Ibrahim Doumbia comes in,” he said.
The club’s decision to honour Doumbia highlights the importance of recognising players’ contributions beyond immediate results, particularly as expectations rise during continental competition.
For Simba, however, the celebration must also be matched by performance. The return leg offers the team an opportunity to strengthen its position in the Champions League campaign, with supporters expected to play a key role in creating the atmosphere needed for another strong display.