The Tanzania government will continue embracing sports as one of the factors for forging national unity, President Samia Suluhu Hassan insisted on Sunday.

Samia has emphasised sports’ role in strengthening national unity, while applauding Simba for backing up the Royal Tour film by taking up a famous red bag, famous by the name of ‘kibegi’, containing the team’s new kits at the rooftop of Africa-Mount Kilimanjaro, recently.

The Head of State expressed the commitment during Simba Day’s colourful celebration at the fully packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday. She said the Simba Day celebration brought together Tanzanians, signifying it as a nation of peace, love, and solidarity.

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Samia said: “I say this knowing that the whole nation is following what is happening here, in fact, even Simba’s traditional rivals Young Africans are closely following events happening here,” adding: “I am happy to be a part of this celebration because it brings us together as a nation with love, peace, and solidarity. It unites us, including children, youths, and old people.”

Meanwhile, Simba used the occasion to unveil their 30-member squad for the new season as listed below.

Goalkeepers: Ahmed Ferouz, Ally Salim, Aishi Manula and Hussein Abeli.

Defenders: Henock Inonga, Kennedy Juma, Israel Mwenda, Mohamed Hussein, Hussein Kazi and Shomari Kapombe, David Kameta and Che Malone.

Midfielders: Mzamiru Yassin, Jimmyson Mwanuke, Willy Onana, Abdallah Khamis, Aubin Kramo, Nassoro Kapama and Sadio Kanoute, Saido Ntibazonkiza, Clatous Chama and Patrice Ngoma.

Attackers: Jean Baleke, Mohamed Mussa, Kibu Denis, Shaban Chilunda, Moses Phiri, John Bocco, Peter Banda and Luis Miquissone.