The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, has provided clarification regarding reports that Benjamin Mkapa Stadium would be closed for six months for renovations.
Msigwa stated that the stadium has not been closed as reported. Instead, clubs Yanga and Simba, which had requested to use the stadium for Premier League matches, were advised to seek alternative venues due to the effects on the pitch when it is used for consecutive matches.
Through his Instagram page, Msigwa posted the following message:
"We have not announced the closure of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for six months, as some people are misleadingly reporting.
We have met with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and also with the Yanga and Simba teams, who requested to use Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for league matches, to assess the wear and tear on the playing surface (pitch) after consecutive international and league matches.
It was agreed that Yanga and Simba will look for alternative stadiums for league games, while Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will remain reserved for international matches, the national team, and the derby until major pitch renovations are carried out.
For those questioning the 31 billion Tanzanian shillings spent on stadium renovations, note that this did not include pitch repairs. The renovations involved improving the building, installing new electrical and lighting systems, water facilities, toilets, emergency exits, installing all 62,000 seats, air conditioning, sound systems, advertising boards, technical benches, goals, painting, and audio systems.
For those who have visited Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, tell me what has not been done from this list?
It is also important to know that a large stadium like Benjamin Mkapa inevitably requires maintenance whenever it is used, because no event can take place without causing some wear and tear. This is not unique to this stadium; it applies to all stadiums worldwide, and repairs require expertise, not patchwork.
Remember, according to professional guidelines for the proper use of natural grass fields, the stadium should only be used two to three times per week. I hope we are understood," wrote Msigwa.
