Tanzania: Uhuru Stadium's Pitch Under Magnifier Over Safety Concerns

The government is looking forward to clear a foul air surrounding the artificial grass at the re-opened Uhuru Stadium pitch following constant claims that it poses health dangers to some players using it.

Tanznia Footbal Federation (TFF) has decided to stage two Simba's six round matches at the National Stadium following claims that Uhuru Stadium's artificial turf hurts players. The clash with visiting Majimaji is among them, according to TFF comunication official Alfred Lucas.

Concerns have been raised by the teams especially in the Premier League that the artificial turf at the newly opened Stadium has been claimed by players to be too dangerous soon after it was opened for the matches a fortnight ago.

The government through the ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports in-collaboration with Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) are looking forward to fix the raised problem after conducting a thorough investigation to find what really makes it dangerous.

The Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Nape Nnauye unveiled recently in Dar es Salaam that the ministry was aware of some complains aired by teams and players after the recent re-opening of the stadium, which was built for the Independence Day in 1961 at the cost of 200,000/- He said plans were underway to resolve the problems incollaboration with TFF.

"We have heard various complaints since the stadium was officially re-opened a few days ago, though some of the complaints are not officially brought to us," he said. Topflight league teams have been complaining about a poor condition of the pitch and claiming it causes impairment to their players.

The Minister confirmed meeting with Simba SC, Vice President Geofrey Nyange whose club claimed the poor condition of the pitch has caused body harms to their three players so far. Nape said he had assured Nyange the problem would be sorted out after meeting with other stakeholders.

He said the ministry has requested the federation to see how they can refurbish the artificial grass at Uhuru Stadium pitch by refilling of infill rubber crumbs and the thin base layer of sand to enable the stadium to accommodate the premier league games and other.

The minister also said other issues raised such as dressing room, toilets, score board and a room for the press at the stadium, have been taken into consideration and they will be resolved too.

Commenting on the matter, the TFF Information and Communication Officer, Alfred Lucas confirmed being aware of the dangers raised, saying the federation's Technical Director has inspected the stadium and had availed his report to the federation which will be later sent to the ministry which owns the stadium.

"We are also aware of the complaints and the report from the technical people will reveal what to be done, but as TFF, we have the rubber crumbs and the sand required to be re-filled in the pitch to make it comfortable during the match," he said and added that the only problem remained was who will facilitate the cost of the job.

According to Lucas, the ministry has directed all matches to be played at the Uhuru Stadium in order to give the National Stadium a rest. TFF has also requested Simba management to write officially to the ministry if they want their league matches to be staged at the National Stadium.