National Stadium closed indefinitely

The National Stadium in Dar es Salaam has been closed indefinitely leaving in the dark international matches initially scheduled to be held at the stadium.

The international matches are those involving Vodacom Premier League giants Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba against Escom United from Malawi.

The ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports spokesperson, Jamal Zuberi, said yesterday the stadium has been closed indefinitely because it was in need of repair.

“It’s true. We have closed the stadium and the public will be informed when it will be ready to be used,” said Zuberi.

However, speaking earlier yesterday, Salum Mkemi, the chief coordinator of Elite Youth Soccer Academy, organizers of the two international friendly matches, said the stadium will be closed for only one week.

“After one week the stadium will be ready for the matches,” said Mkemi.

He said Yanga will play Escom United on Friday December 30 and the visitors will face Simba on January 1.

He said the Malawians are only waiting for the green light to come and play their matches because everything has been finalized.

He said the matches will be used as part of preparations for the three teams which will compete in the Continent tournaments.

Yanga and Escom United (Malawi) will compete in the African championship while Simba will represent the country in the Federation Cup.

Yanga and Simba are expected to compete in Mapinduzi Cup that will kick off on January 2.