CAFCC: Simba SC vs RS Berkane final second leg venue unconfirmed

Photo Credit - Simba SC Tanzania.

Although Simba SC are set to host Moroccan giants RS Berkane in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, it has emerged that the venue will not be available for the match.

According to reports in Tanzania, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have not approved the usage of the venue for the clash, which is scheduled for May 25.

The African body closed Mkapa a few months ago to continue undergoing renovation in preparation to host the 2024 Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) and eventually the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking from Morocco, Simba media officer Ahmed Ally admitted that they have been informed about the unavailability of the venue, with reports now emerging that the final could be played at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. The Amaan venue hosted Simba’s first leg semi-final clash against Stellenbosch FC from South Africa which they won 1-0.

“It is true that we have received the same information (on moving the game from Mkapa to Amaan), but I want to put it very clear, it is a request that Simba uses Amaan Stadium for the RS Berkane game. After seeing the request, I talked to the Simba bosses here in Morocco, and they told me to tell Tanzanians that for now our focus is on the game on May 17,” said Ally.

“It is because Berkane have put all their focus into winning the first leg, and that is what they have always been doing. If you look at the semis, they defeated CS Constantine 4-0 at home and when they went for the return leg, they lost 1-0 and qualified. So Berkane are using every force, they want to beat us by a lot of goals and Simba is not ready for that."

“We want the first leg to give us a good advantage, and that is why we are here (many club officials), and all our brains are on the away game on May 17. [For] the official report on where Simba vs Berkane will be played, we will inform the public after the game in Berkane. The fans should continue to buy tickets for the game at Mkapa, nothing has changed.”

Simba will be aiming to make history by winning their first-ever Confederation Cup title.