20 teams gear up for TFF U-17 league

TANZANIA: THE verification of players for the 2024 TFF U-17 league is set to begin on Friday this week, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has announced.

TFF Information and Communications Officer, Clifford Ndimbo told the Daily News that the process is expected to take place this weekend on Friday and Saturday at the federation’s headquarters. So far, 20 teams have confirmed to participate in the league, and two groups ‘A and B’ have been formed comprising 10 teams each.

Group A comprises Mbeya City, Mbuni FC, Azam FC, Singida Fountain Gate FC, Ihefu SC, Pan African FC, Cosmopolitan FC, TDS TFF Tanga, Kinondoni FC, and JKT Tanzania FC. Group B consists of Mbeya Kwanza FC, Biashara United, Stand United, Gapco FC, Transit Camp FC, Coastal Union FC, Simba SC, Green Warriors FC, Young Africans, and Karume Centre.

The 2023 comprised only 16 teams. This season at least four teams have been added to the list bringing the total participating teams to 20.

However, some of the teams that participated in the previous season have been dropped. The newly added teams in this season include TDS TFF Tanga, Biashara United, Stand United FC, Gapco FC, Mbuni FC, Mbeya City, Coastal Union FC, Kinondoni FC, and Cosmopolitan FC.

However, he named the teams that participated in the previous season’s league, but will not be participating in the forthcoming league, including African Lyon, KMC FC, African Sports, JKU Academy, and Ruvu Shooting.

He emphasized on the importance of youth leagues for TFF and sports stakeholders saying the competitions help in nurturing youth’s talents and strengthening the premier league.

“Stakeholders understand that reaching the top starts from the bottom. We urge clubs and sports stakeholders to value lower leagues since they set a strong foundation for future players,