Simba SC Board Chairman Crescentius Magori has acknowledged that the club's supporters have legitimate concerns over the decision to stage the CRDB Bank Federation Cup final against Azam FC in Pemba, saying many fans will struggle to travel and support the team.
There has been mixed reaction among Simba supporters and football stakeholders, with many hoping the final would be held in Dar es Salaam or a nearby region to allow a larger number of fans to attend.
Recently, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) confirmed that Gombani Stadium in Pemba will host the final, which is scheduled to kick off at 11:00 p.m. on July 4.
Magori said Simba respect the federation's decision but believe many of their supporters have been unfairly disadvantaged because of the high cost of traveling to Pemba.
"It is true that we have seen many of our fans expressing their concerns. We have explained to them that we do not have the authority to change the venue because that decision belongs to the federation, and we must respect it," Magori said.
"When you look at their complaints, you can see they have merit. Football is made special by the presence of fans in the stadium. Considering the cost of traveling to Pemba, it is clear that many people will find it difficult to get there."
"As club management, our responsibility is to take the team there, but we are also facing challenges in arranging suitable accommodation and ensuring everyone is comfortably accommodated. We have already had to spread people across different locations."
"The supporters will also face difficulties finding affordable places to stay because this is not a trip where they can travel to Pemba and return home on the same day."
"I believe these are issues that should be considered in the future. If access can be challenging even in Unguja, then the situation in Pemba is even more demanding," he added.
