Simba SC has entered a new strategic phase after reaching an agreement with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) aimed at combining the power of sports and tourism, a partnership expected to benefit both institutions and the nation at large.
The agreement, signed in Arusha, marks a new chapter of cooperation between one of East and Central Africa’s biggest football clubs and one of the world’s most iconic tourism destinations, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Simba and Ngorongoro: A Partnership Between Two Major Brands
For the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, the partnership represents an opportunity to use the influence of football to promote conservation and tourism messages to a wider audience.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Commissioner Abdul-Razaq Badru said sports and tourism are two sectors that can work together successfully due to football’s ability to connect people from different countries and communities.
He explained that Simba SC is a major brand across East and Central Africa, while Ngorongoro is a globally recognized brand because of its unique wildlife and natural environment.
"When we come together today, we understand that in football, Simba SC is a major brand. These two brands will complement each other because of their size and influence," Badru said.
According to him, the partnership will help increase awareness about the importance of visiting and conserving Ngorongoro, which remains one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
"The Pride Returns Home" – Simba to Celebrate 90 Years in Ngorongoro
One of the key highlights of the agreement is the special campaign titled "Simba Visit Ngorongoro – The Pride Returns Home," which will coincide with Simba SC’s 90th anniversary celebrations since the club was founded in 1936.
For Simba, the initiative carries historical significance because of the connection between the club’s name and the lion, which has been part of its identity for nearly nine decades.
Simba SC Chief Executive Officer Zubeda Sakuru said the club chose to celebrate its 90th anniversary by returning to a place of great significance like Ngorongoro.
"Since Simba SC was founded in 1936, we have used the lion as our identity. But when we talk about a conservation area recognized by UNESCO, we are talking about Ngorongoro. We have decided to celebrate our 90th anniversary by returning home to Ngorongoro," Zubeda said.
Using 20 Million Fans to Promote Ngorongoro
Simba SC has highlighted the strength of its fan base inside and outside Tanzania as one of the main reasons behind the partnership, aiming to use its supporters to promote Ngorongoro globally.
Simba Board Chairman Crescentius Magori said the club has more than 20 million followers on social media, making it a powerful platform for promoting Tanzania’s tourism sector.
"Simba has more than 20 million followers on social media, so through this partnership we will be able to attract many visitors from both within and outside the country," Magori said.
Through this partnership, Simba will not only promote its football brand but will also play a role in marketing Tanzania as a tourism destination to the world.
Simba’s 90th Anniversary: More Than Football
For Simba SC, the 90th anniversary celebrations are expected to be bigger than usual. The club has announced several activities during Simba Week, including the launch of a new jersey as part of the celebrations.
Zubeda Sakuru called on Simba supporters around the world to join the club in marking the historic milestone.
"I would like to call upon all Simba supporters around the world to join us in celebrating 90 years since the establishment of Simba by following Simba Week and the activities we will organize."
Arusha Could Become a Future Simba Day Destination
Meanwhile, Simba Board Chairman Crescentius Magori has suggested that Arusha could become one of the club’s important locations for major events in the future.
He said the strong support Simba receives in Arusha, together with improvements in sports infrastructure in the region, could make it a strategic location for major events such as Simba Day.
"The first region that could host Simba Day activities in the coming years is Arusha because of that stadium," Magori said.
