Arusha’s new stadium plans align with Benjamin Mkapa Stadium renovation

GERSON Msigwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports, has unequivocally revealed the government’s intentions to commence the construction of a new stadium in Arusha to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This state-of-the-art sporting arena is poised to accommodate a staggering 30,000 spectators and is slated to be one of the venues for the 2027 AFCON finals.

With such grand ambitions, the stadium promises to be a beacon of national pride, not only for Arusha but for Tanzania as a whole.

He stated: "The stadium will boast modern amenities and have a seating capacity for 30,000 individuals, making it one of the chosen venues for hosting the finals of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).”

In addition to the groundbreaking plans for the new stadium, Msigwa provided an update on the renovation progress at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Scheduled for completion on August 24 this year, the refurbishment aims to breathe new life into the iconic venue.

He pointed out: "We are replacing all 60,000 seats within the stadium with new ones. Rest assured, once the renovations are finished, the venue will undergo a remarkable transformation.”

A notable aspect of the renovation entails the replacement of all 60,000 seats within the stadium.

Msigwa assured the public that these new seats would transform the stadium’s ambiance and elevate the spectator experience to unparalleled heights.

With an allocated budget exceeding 31bn/-, no expense is being spared to ensure that the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium emerges as a world-class facility worthy of international acclaim.

The significance of these stadium projects extends beyond mere infrastructure development. They serve as tangible symbols of Tanzania’s commitment to advancing sports and cultural activities within the nation.

By investing in these modernized venues, we seek to enhance its global standing and provide its citizens with top-tier facilities to celebrate their athletic prowess and cultural heritage.

As the construction and renovation efforts progress, anticipation continues to build among Tanzanians eager to witness the unveiling of these architectural changes. 

In Arusha, residents eagerly await the completion of their new stadium, envisioning it as a hub of community engagement and sporting excellence.

Similarly, anticipation mounts for the grand reopening of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, a stadium poised to reclaim its status as a premier venue for national and international events.

Beyond their functional roles as venues for sports and cultural events, these stadiums symbolize Tanzania’s aspirations for progress and prosperity.

They stand as monuments to the nation’s ambition, reflecting the collective efforts of its people to build a brighter future for generations to come.

As the construction projects are near completion and the countdown to the 2027 AFCON finals begins, Tanzania eagerly anticipates the inauguration of its newest stadiums.

With each brick laid and seat installed, the nation moves one step closer to realizing its vision of a prosperous and dynamic future, where sports and culture thrive, and the spirit of unity prevails.

Simba SC and Yanga react to CAF Champions League quarterfinal draw

THE CAF Champions League quarterfinal draw that took place in Cairo on Tuesday afternoon brought excitement and renewed focus for Tanzania’s representatives, Simba SC and Young Africans SC.

Both teams knew their opponents, setting the stage for crucial matches in their continental journey.

Simba SC and Young Africans SC have been pitted against formidable opponents- Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns- in the upcoming quarterfinals.

The draw set the stage for intense clashes between African football giants.

For Simba SC, their encounter with Al Ahly marks a historic moment as it is the two teams' first meeting in the knockout phase of the CAF Champions League.

Similarly, 

Simba SC, facing Egyptian giants Al Ahly once again, acknowledged the challenge through their assistant coach, Selemani Matola.

Matola disclosed: “Facing them is inevitable at this stage. We’ve met them several times before, with mixed results. We recently faced them in the African Football League, but luck wasn’t on our side. Now, it’s time to play our cards right and fight for victory.”

The tactician highlighted Simba SC’s familiarity with Al Ahly, emphasizing: “No player, technical staff member, or even leader on the team is unfamiliar with them.”

This experience, coupled with Simba SC's determination, suggests the outfit is approaching the encounter with a strategic mindset.

Young Africans SC, also known as Yanga, drawn against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, expressed a different perspective. 

Miguel Gamondi, Yanga's head coach, downplayed having any pressure, stating: “We have no home game pressure. We’re preparing diligently to ensure we progress, maintaining our strong showing against familiar opponents.”

The Argentine acknowledged the caliber of their opponents, noting: “We’re facing the best team in Africa. They have a proven track record, and nobody reaches this stage by chance.”

This recognition underscores the respect Yanga holds for Mamelodi Sundowns. Gamondi also addressed the economic disparity between the two teams.

“Mamelodi Sundowns undoubtedly has a larger budget, giving them a seemingly greater chance of winning,” he conceded.

He pointed out a recent instance in which Mamelodi Sundowns acquired a player for a substantial sum, contrasting it with Yanga’s Joseph Guede and Augustin Okrah free agent signings.

However, Gamondi emphasized that financial muscle doesn’t dictate the outcome on the field. “Once the whistle blows, it’s 11 against 11,” he declared.

This statement reflects Yanga’s determination to overcome any financial disadvantage through sheer talent and tactical prowess.

Both Simba SC and Yanga face formidable opponents in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals.

While Simba SC seeks to overcome a familiar foe, Yanga embraces the challenge of facing a top African team.

The coaches' statements reveal a blend of cautious optimism and unwavering determination.

Simba SC acknowledges the challenge but draws confidence from past encounters. Yanga, recognizing the opponent’s strength, emphasizes their focus and belief in their abilities.

In addition to these thrilling matchups, TP Mazembe is set to battle Petro de Luanda, while Esperance will go head-to-head with ASEC Mimosas in other quarterfinal fixtures.

The anticipation for these clashes is palpable as teams gear up to showcase their prowess on the continental stage.

The first leg fixtures are scheduled to take place between March 29-30, with the second legs set for April 5-6.

Football enthusiasts can expect exhilarating performances and nail-biting moments as these teams vie for a coveted spot in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.

For Mila Pulse Sport

_Dan