The government has called on football clubs in Tanzania to invest in building their own permanent stadiums to host domestic competitions, a move aimed at reducing reliance on public sports facilities.
The appeal was made on April 15, 2025, by the Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, during a brief ceremony held in Dar es Salaam.
Mwinjuma said the construction of club-owned stadiums would significantly ease the pressure on national facilities like the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
“What I’ve heard today about stadium plans is truly inspiring. If you build a venue with a capacity of between 10,000 and 12,000 spectators, it could accommodate domestic matches. The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium should be reserved for international games,” he said.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration has invested heavily in the development of sports, particularly football, which remains the country's most popular sport.
"Statistically, no other period has achieved what we are witnessing now. Football is giving us immense joy and promoting our country beyond its borders," he added.
Mwinjuma also commended Simba Sports Club for conducting a professional and transparent tendering process in the development of their stadium project.
In addition, he congratulated the club for reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, noting that such achievements elevate national pride.
Simba is set to face South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC in the first leg of the semi-final on April 20, 2025, at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. The return leg will take place on April 27 in South Africa.
The Deputy Minister assured the team of the government’s full support throughout the campaign, expressing confidence in their ability to reach the finals.
“The government stands with you. We will be there to support and walk with you every step of the way,” he concluded.