Gombani Stadium: Pemba Island’s proud sports hub with a rich history
Gombani Stadium, located on Pemba Island, is one of two key venues for the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup, alongside Zanzibar’s Aman Stadium. The stadium’s modern facilities and its rich history as a sports hub make it a fitting venue for this tournament, which commemorates the Zanzibar Revolution of 1964.
On the serene Pemba Island, Gombani Stadium stands as one of the two key venues for this year’s Mapinduzi Cup. Located in the Chake Chake District, Gombani Stadium steps in due to renovations at Zanzibar's historic Aman Stadium, which is undergoing upgrades as part of Tanzania’s preparations to co-host the 2027 African Cup of Nations with Kenya and Uganda.
Opened on January 12, 1970, Aman Stadium holds historical significance as the first stadium built by the Chinese government in Africa, marking the beginning of "stadium diplomacy," a project that saw the construction of numerous sports venues across the continent.
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Gombani Stadium, which opened in 1967, has a seating capacity of 15,000 and features an artificial playing surface along with an athletics track. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone of sports on Pemba Island.
Despite its modest appearance, Gombani Stadium boasts modern amenities, including all-seater terraces, VIP lounges, media facilities, and floodlights. These features have helped solidify the stadium’s status as a key sports hub.
Gombani Stadium pic.twitter.com/Tk7RCtMkUy
— Selbinho Soldado (@SoldadoSelbinho) October 12, 2023
Home to Chipukizi FC, a team in the Zanzibar Premier League, Gombani also plays a vital role in the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup, a tournament that commemorates the Zanzibar Revolution of 1964, a pivotal moment in the island's history.
The Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars, is competing in this year’s tournament. After drawing 1-1 with Burkina Faso in their opening match on Saturday night, they will return to Gombani Stadium on Tuesday night to face Tanzania, with both teams aiming to secure a place in the final on Monday, January 13, 2025.
In 2019, Gombani Stadium hosted the Mapinduzi Cup final, where Azam FC defeated Simba SC 2-1 to win their fifth tournament title. That year also marked the 55th anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, during which Zanzibar President Ali Mohamed Shein encouraged the public to engage in recreational sports for better health and fitness.
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