Yanga SC and Simba SC will be forced to seek alternative venues for their Mainland Premier League and international matches following the government’s confirmation that the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will be closed for six months for major renovations.
The national stadium, which has a capacity of 60,000 and has served as the home ground for both clubs this season after moving from the smaller KMC Complex, is set to undergo major turf renovations starting this month.
Yanga have already played their CAF Champions League match against Wiliete FC of Angola and a league game against Pamba Jiji FC at the venue, while Simba have hosted Fountain Gate FC and Namungo FC in the league, in addition to their Champions League tie against Gaborone United of Botswana.
According to CAF’s official schedule, Yanga are expected to host Silver Strikers of Malawi in their return leg of the Champions League on October 25, just a week after the first leg in Lilongwe.
Their fierce rivals, Simba, are set to host Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini at the same stadium on October 26, following the first leg on October 18. However, these fixtures are now in doubt depending on the official start date of the renovation works.
Government spokesperson and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, confirmed that the closure will affect both clubs equally.
“The last league match at Benjamin Mkapa was between Simba and Namungo. After that, renovation work officially begins. The process will take six months,” said Msigwa.
“The stadium will only be available for international matches if the schedule does not clash with renovation work. If renovations have already begun, even CAF fixtures will have to be relocated.”
To minimize disruption, the government has already suggested alternative venues.
“We have the new Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar and the Azam Complex in Chamazi. It will be up to the clubs to decide,” explained Msigwa.
He further noted that a long-term solution lies in Uhuru Stadium, which is also under renovation and expected to reopen on November 21.
“Uhuru Stadium will be fitted with high-quality artificial turf approved by CAF and FIFA. Once completed, it will be eligible to host international and CAF matches,” he revealed.
The closure of Benjamin Mkapa is a major blow for Yanga and Simba, who have both enjoyed massive fan support at the iconic venue.
With crucial CAF Champions League fixtures on the horizon, the Tanzanian giants must now grapple with the challenge of selecting temporary home grounds.
