Dar es Salaam — The management of Simba SC has assured supporters that firm measures will be in place to prevent unruly behaviour when the club hosts Nsingizini Hotspurs in the second leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round this Sunday.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the club’s media officer, Ahmed Ally, said Simba is determined to avoid further sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after previous disciplinary issues led to fines and a fan ban during their earlier tie against Gaborone United.
Read Also: Nigeria-France Sports Awards: Organizers Celebrate SSA Adeyinka Adeboye As a Beacon of Grassroots Sports Development
“Fans will be allowed to attend Sunday’s game, but we will be extremely vigilant,” Ahmed said. “Anyone found guilty of behaviour that could lead to another ban or cause violence will face severe punishment under the country’s laws.”
Ahmed emphasized that Simba management strongly condemns any actions likely to attract CAF penalties. “We strictly forbid the lighting of fires or any invasion of the pitch area,” he warned. “These were the main reasons behind our earlier punishment.”
He also alleged that some individuals wearing Simba jerseys are not genuine supporters. “We know there are people who buy tickets only to cause trouble. We are well prepared to identify and deal with them,” he added.
Last season, Simba were handed a one-match home ban by CAF in the Confederation Cup after sections of fans caused disturbances during their group-stage encounter against CS Sfaxien of Tunisia — a repeat of such incidents the club is eager to avoid this weekend.
With qualification on the line, Simba SC hopes for both a disciplined crowd and a commanding performance on the pitch as they seek to advance to the next round of Africa’s premier club competition.
