Simba SC’s Media and Communications Manager, Ahmed Ali, has confirmed that the CAF Champions League clash against Gaborone United, scheduled for Sunday, September 28 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, will be played behind closed doors without fans.
Ahmed explained that Simba was sanctioned by CAF due to incidents in last season’s CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final against Al Masry, where fans invaded the pitch and lit fireworks, acts that are strictly prohibited.
He urged Simba supporters to avoid such behavior to prevent further sanctions in future matches.
Speaking on preparations for the match, Ahmed said the squad returned to camp yesterday after their Premier League victory over Fountain Gate (3–0).
“We are fully aware that we have a Champions League match on Sunday at the Mkapa Stadium from 4:00 p.m., and our visitors, Gaborone United, arrived early this morning. Everything has gone smoothly, and they will hold training sessions today and tomorrow.”
“Our Sunday match will be officiated by referees from Niger, who are already on their way. The team went back to camp after the Fountain Gate game and everyone is fit; no injuries reported. The only absentees will be Mohammed Bajaber and Abdulrazak Hamza.”
“I am here to confirm that Sunday’s match will have no fans as part of the CAF punishment. The cause was the Al Masry game, where one fan entered the pitch and others lit fires.”
“The punishment also comes with a fine of $50,000, about Tsh 120 million. I urge my fellow Simba fans to avoid such disruptive acts in stadiums. Let’s begin by policing ourselves—if you see someone trying to light fireworks, stop them; if someone tries to enter the pitch, let’s work together to prevent it, even escort them out if possible. Look now, because of that incident, we’re playing such a big match without our fans. We’re not here to blame each other but to remind one another,” said Ahmed.
Meanwhile, Simba has arranged for fans in Dar es Salaam to watch the match together at Mwembeyanga grounds.
