Towards the biggest entertainment festival in East and Central Africa, ‘SIMBA DAY’, Simba SC’s Media and Communications Manager, Ahmed Ali, today officially announced that the launch of Simba Week will take place in Mafinga, Iringa Region.
Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Ahmed said the launch will be held on August 31, with the convoy from Dar es Salaam departing on August 30.
"In this 17th season of Simba Day, the official launch will be on August 30, 2025. As has become our tradition of launching Simba Week outside Dar es Salaam, this year will be no different. Last year it was in Morogoro, and this year it will be in Iringa, specifically in Mafinga District. We will depart Dar on 30/08/2025 and the official launch will be on August 31, 2025 at Mafinga grounds."
"Initially, we had planned for Iringa Town, but after discussions and feedback, we decided to shift to Mafinga. I sincerely apologize to Simba fans in Iringa Town. I now call upon all Simba fans in Iringa and the Southern Highlands to join us in Mafinga for the launch. This launch in Mafinga will be historic — for the sheer number of people, the scale of the event, and the festivities that will take place. I warmly welcome everyone who would like to join us."
"The journey to Iringa will be on August 30, 2025, and we will travel with a convoy of 10 Costa buses, which is about 280 people. One bus will be for journalists, one for Simba leaders from Dar es Salaam, and the remaining eight for fans who wish to attend the launch. It will be free of charge, but please prepare money for food and accommodation. Our responsibility is to ensure you arrive in Mafinga."
"Upon arrival in Mafinga, we will hold a vigil ahead of the launch. To all who plan to travel, don’t forget your jackets as it’s very cold there. On the morning of August 31, 2025, we will visit Mafinga District Hospital to help build a rest area for families waiting for their loved ones, conduct cleaning, and give gifts to patients. Afterward, we will hold a parade around Mafinga to show that Simba is present in Mafinga."
"We will then proceed to the official launch of Simba Week with various activities and entertainment. In the coming days, we will reveal the artists performing that day, and we are also considering, and have already started preparing, to pay respects at the grave of our former leader, Zacharia Hans Poppe. After the Simba Week launch on August 31, 2025, we will return to Dar es Salaam, and September 1, 2025 will be a rest day," said Ahmed.
During Simba Week, fans will participate in various community activities, including sports festivals, with the climax taking place on September 10 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
"On September 2, 2025, we will have a national day for Simba fans to donate blood in hospitals across the country. We have a responsibility to help save the lives of our fellow Tanzanians. Here in Dar es Salaam, we will set up several blood donation centers. Let us prepare to donate blood. This country belongs to us, and we must take responsibility in supporting the National Blood Service Program. I personally will donate, and my blood is clean," Ahmed added.
"On September 3, 2025, we will hold the draw for the fan-club sports festival. Last year, you remember we had a bonanza that involved Simba branches, and this year it will return, involving all Simba SC branches nationwide, not only in Dar es Salaam. Branches interested in participating will be given a number to register. This helps build unity and love among Simba branches across the country."
"Last year, we invited Simba Legends who gave us a great show, including stars like Haruna Moshi and Banka. This year, we will also feature a women’s match, and to spice things up, there will be a special match for ‘big-sized players’ — and when I say big, I mean truly big. Chico will be the coach of that team," Ahmed concluded.
