During the 2023 AFCON Qualifier between the Taifa Stars and the Uganda Cranes on 28th March, the lights went out for close to 40 minutes at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium.
The Government of Tanzania has revealed plans to renovate the Benjamin Mkapa stadium to a better standard after two separate incidents that they say ‘embarrassed the nation’.
During the 2023 AFCON Qualifier between the Taifa Stars and the Uganda Cranes on 28th March, the lights went out for close to 40 minutes at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium.
The same thing happened on 30th April when Young Africans faced Rivers United in the return leg of the CAF Confederations Cup quarter-finals.
Although the lights returned and both games were played to the end, a Government issued statement from the communication unit confirmed the suspension of seven officials, including the stadium’s electric Engineer, Manyori Kapesa.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, Saidi Yakubu, also confirmed the appointment of Mlinde Mahona as the new acting manager of the stadium, replacing Salum Mtumbuka, who stepped aside for investigations to be done.
The ministry also apologized for the glitches and promised to renovate the stadium to continue providing good services to Tanzanians and neighbouring countries.
“The ministry apologizes to fans, especially Yanga supporters, for the problem which occurred,” reads part of the statement.
“Minor and major rehabilitations at the stadium are expected for it to continue providing good services to Tanzanians and neighbouring countries when using the arena.”
The ministry has also advised stakeholders like the Tanzania Football Federation to have matches played during the day rather than as night as the Government fast tracks the process of renovating the stadium quickly.
