Revealed: Why CAF want Simba SC to host RS Berkane final in Zanzibar

Photo Credit - CAF Media.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have outlined their reasons for Simba SC to play the return leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final against Morocco’s RS Berkane at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

While the Mainland Premier League giants had already started planning to host the final second leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on May 25, the African body have come up with a different idea: Simba taking the fixture to the 10,000-seater in Zanzibar.

Simba management had already issued a rallying call to their fans to buy tickets for the fixture at the 60,000-seater Mkapa Stadium. The ticket pricing for the final was as follows: Regular stands: TSh 7,000 VIP C: TSh 20,000, VIP B: TSh 30,000, Platinum: TSh 250,000 which is already sold out.

However, a statement from CAF signed by Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba, and obtained by Pan-Africa Football, may affect Simba’s plans.

Statement from CAF.

In the statement, CAF have requested the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to host the final in Zanzibar following a series of detailed technical assessments carried out by the African body’s international pitch consultants, while also considering the impact of the ongoing rainy season in Tanzania.

The full statement:

“CAF extends its sincere appreciation to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the Government of Tanzania, and all stakeholders, for the strong collaboration and commitment in preparing for the CAF Confederation Cup final on May 25. We fully recognize and commend the leadership and dedication shown by President Wallace Karia throughout the process.

“Following a series of detailed technical assessments carried out by CAF’s international pitch consultants, and taking into account the current rainy season in Tanzania, it has been strongly recommended – purely from a technical standpoint – that the final be held at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

“This decision has been taken after thorough consultations, with the sole objective of ensuring the best possible sporting conditions and experience for the players and fans. It is in no way a reflection of the outstanding efforts made by TFF and its leadership, for which we remain deeply grateful. We look forward to working closely with your team to ensure a smooth and successful organization of the final in Zanzibar.”

Simba used Amaan Stadium for the semi-final first-leg clash against Stellenbosch of South Africa, a game they won 1-0, before securing a 0-0 away draw to reach the final on a 1-0 aggregate scoreline.