NBC hands Yanga trophy, pledges greater football investment

DAR ES SALAAM: Young Africans (Yanga SC) were officially crowned champions of the 2025/26 NBC Premier League after receiving the league trophy following a commanding 3- 0 victory over JKT Tanzania at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The victory secured Yanga 75 points and sealed a remarkable fifth consecutive league title after another fiercely contested campaign. Defending champions for yet another season, Yanga finished two points ahead of arch-rivals Simba SC, who ended the campaign on 73 points after defeating KMC FC 1-0 in their final fixture.

With the title race remaining undecided until the last day of the season, both clubs entered their final matches knowing that any slip could determine the destination of the championship. Yanga ultimately held their nerve, producing an emphatic performance to retain the trophy and extend their dominance of Tanzanian top-
flight football.

The trophy presentation followed immediately after the final whistle, bringing to a close another memorable season that has further strengthened the league’s reputation as one of East Africa's most competitive football competitions.

One of the days defining moments came with the spectacular arrival of th championship trophy. Before the decisive fixtures kicked off, the trophy was flown over several parts of Dar es Salaam aboard a helicopter as anticipation built over which club would emerge champions.

As supporters closely followed the final-day drama unfolding at different venues, the helicopter remained airborne awaiting confirmation of the league winner. Once Yanga’s victory over JKT Tanzania officially secured the championship, the aircraft landed at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, where the trophy was handed to the newly crowned champions.

The dramatic presentation created one of the most memorable moments of the season, with thousands of jubilant Yanga supporters filling the stadium to celebrate another historic achievement. Players, coaching staff and club officials joined fans in emotional celebrations as the team lifted the trophy following months of intense
competition.

The title marks another significant milestone for Yanga, who have continued to establish themselves as the dominant force in Tanzanian football in recent years. Winning five consecutive league championships reflects the club’s consistency, squad depth and ability to perform under pressure throughout demanding
campaigns.

Despite falling just short of the title, Simba also enjoyed a strong finish to the season. Their narrow victory over KMC ensured the championship race remained alive until the final day, underlining the fierce rivalry that continues to define the country’s biggest football contest.

The close battle between Tanzania’s traditional giants has been one of the driving forces behind the league's growing competitiveness, attracting increased interest from supporters across the country while raising the overall standard of domestic football.

The trophy handover ceremony attracted several senior government officials, football administrators and representatives from key stakeholders within the sport. Among those present were Minister of State in the President's Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance Ridhiwani Kikwete, Tanzania
Football Federation (TFF) President Wallace Karia, Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) Chairman Nassor Idrissa, NBC Chief Financial Officer Rayson Foya, representing Managing Director Theobald Sabi, and Azam Media Chief
Executive Officer Patrick Kahemele.

Football officials, club representatives and other stakeholders also attended the event to witness the conclusion of another successful Premier League campaign. During the ceremony, league title sponsors National Bank of Commerce (NBC) congratulated Yanga on winning the championship while acknowledging the contribution of the Tanzania Football Federation, the Tanzania Premier League Board, clubs, match officials, the sports media, supporters and other football stakeholders in the successful completion of the season.

Speaking on behalf of the bank, NBC Head of Marketing David Raymond said the league has continued to become increasingly competitive since the bank began sponsoring the competition.

He noted that every season has produced greater excitement, improved standards of football and stronger competition among participating clubs.

“Since we commenced our sponsorship of the NBC Premier League, we have witnessed a remarkable rise in both competitiveness and the standard of play. Each season has been unique and increasingly captivating for fans. This is precisely why we remain proud to be part of Tanzania’s football development journey,” Raymond
said.

He added that the bank intends to continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening football development in Tanzania through programmes that directly benefit various stakeholders within the game.

Among the areas identified are youth football development, player training initiatives, athlete health insurance and financial services designed to help players and sports institutions improve long-term financial stability.
According to Raymond, sports continue to play an increasingly important role in the country’s economy, making investment in football beneficial both on and off the pitch.

“We believe sports is a vital economic sector. That is why we continue to develop financial solutions that help athletes, clubs and other stakeholders secure a stable economic future alongside their on-field success,” he said.

Although the championship ultimately belonged to Yanga, the final round of fixtures demonstrated just how competitive the season had become. With only two points separating Yanga and Simba before kickoff, supporters across the country closely followed developments until the final whistle confirmed the destination of
the title.

Yanga responded to the pressure with an impressive display against JKT Tanzania, scoring three unanswered goals to remove any lingering doubt and secure another championship in convincing fashion.

Their latest triumph further extends one of the most successful periods in the clubs history, reinforcing their position among Tanzania's most decorated football teams.

The dramatic helicopter delivery of the trophy added another layer of excitement to an already emotional occasion, providing supporters with a memorable conclusion to a title race that remained unresolved until the final day. As celebrations continued inside Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, the trophy lift symbolised not only Yanga’s latest achievement but also the successful conclusion of another competitive Premier League season, one that showcased the growing quality of Tanzanian football and the enduring rivalry between the country's
biggest clubs.

With the curtain now falling on the 2025/26 campaign, attention will soon shift to preparations for next season, where Yanga will seek to defend their crown once again while Simba and the rest of the league attempt to halt the champions remarkable run of domestic success.