SERENGETI BOYS HEROIC PERFORMANCE: Samia offers 500m/-

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has congratulated Tanzania’s Under-17 national football team, the Serengeti Boys, offering them 500m/-.

She has also promised them land plots in Morogoro region if they clinch the trophy. Her offer follows their qualification for the final of the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Egypt in Morocco.

Tanzania will face Senegal in the final on Tuesday, in Rabat, as the Serengeti Boys aim to crown their remarkable campaign with a continental title. Delivering the message on behalf of the Head of State, yesterday, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba said the President praised the young players for their outstanding performance and for proudly representing the nation on the continental stage.

“The President has directed that, in recognition of their achievement in reaching the final, the government will award the team 500m/-,” he said.

He further announced that, should the team win the championship, each player will be allocated a piece of land in Morogoro’s “Suluhu New City” as a gesture to honour their historic contribution to Tanzanian football. Prime Minister Nchemba said the President views the current reward as motivation ahead of the final, with further recognition expected should the team secure the trophy.

The government has also arranged a special aircraft, a Dreamliner, to transport the team back home after the final match, in anticipation of a victorious return.

“Please, please, our youth team, it is possible to bring the trophy. Bring us the trophy, bring President Samia the trophy. The courage you have shown proves you can do it,” he stressed.

ALSO READ: President Samia hails Serengeti Boys for reaching CAF U-17 final, U-17 World Cup

Minister responsible for Sports, Paul Makonda, together with stakeholders in the sports sector, has been directed to coordinate all logistical arrangements, including the team supporters’ travel and return.

The government has further called on Tanzanians and sports fans across the country to rally behind the Serengeti Boys as they prepare for the decisive match, in a spirit of national unity and pride.

In an official statement released by the Directorate of Presidential Communications, President Samia praised the team for reaching the final of the continental youth championship and for securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup scheduled to take place in Qatar in November 2026.

The Head of State described the achievement as a major milestone for the development of youth football in Tanzania, noting that it reflects discipline, commitment and determination among the country’s young players on the international stage.

She also wished the Serengeti Boys success in the final against Senegal, expressing confidence that they would continue to raise Tanzania’s flag high. In another development, former Arsenal manager Wenger has praised Tanzania for their outstanding performances throughout the competition and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to shine on the global stage.

“Tanzania has performed exceptionally well in this tournament and played fantastic football against very strong opponents. I hope to see them soon at the World Cup and witness what more they can achieve,” explained Coach Wenger.

Coach Wenger, who oversees football development at FIFA, including technical growth and coach education for both men and women’s football worldwide, has closely followed the impressive rise of the Serengeti Boys during the tournament.