Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: In an earnest appeal to the passionate supporters of Simba Sports Club, Media and Communication Manager Semaji Ahmed Ally emphasized the urgent need to maintain a safe and respectful environment during matches. The plea comes in light of recent penalties the club has faced due to unruly behavior in the stadium.
“The first loss is we lose fans; the second loss, we lose revenue; and the third loss is we pay a fine of USD 50,000,” Ally stated, revealing that the club has incurred a total fine of USD 85,000 (approximately Tsh. 200 million) due to incidents during the final match against RS Berkane, which included the use of fireworks in the stands.
In line with fostering a more civil atmosphere, Ally urged fans to take action when they see any violent behavior. “If you see someone trying to light fireworks, stop them. Let’s work together to ensure our stadium remains a safe space for everyone,” he implored, emphasizing that blaming one another would not solve the issues at hand.
Looking ahead, the difficult road to recovery continues as he confirmed that Simba will be serving a CAF penalty, excluding fans from attending the pivotal Sunday match against Gaborone United. “What caused this was an incident during the game against Al Masry, where a fan entered the pitch and fireworks were lit,” Ally explained. The team is facing a setback, but they remain focused on the task ahead.
Ally also assured supporters that referees from Niger are en route to officiate the match, and the squad entered a training camp to prepare following their recent victory against Fountain Gate. “The team is in good health, with no injuries reported. However, we will miss key players Mohammed Bajaber and Abdulrazak Hamza,” he noted.
As the anticipation builds for the Champions League match set at Mkapa Stadium on Sunday at 22:00, Ally confirmed that Gaborone United has already arrived and will be training in preparations for the face-off. “Everything is going smoothly, and we look forward to a competitive match,” he added.
As Simba SC gears up for this crucial game, the rallying cry is clear: fans are encouraged to unite in support of their team, while ensuring the integrity of the match experience remains intact.
