NBC Bank warns Mtibwa, Mbeya City of league challenges
MOROGORO: The National Bank of Commerce (NBC), the primary sponsor of the NBC Youth League, the NBC Championship, and the prestigious NBC Premier League, has officially welcomed Mtibwa Sugar FC and Mbeya City FC to the elite ranks of the NBC Premier League.
With a clear message of readiness, NBC called on both teams to prepare rigorously for the significant challenges that lie ahead.
During the trophy presentation for the NBC Championship—a momentous occasion for the victorious Mtibwa Sugar FC, hailing from Turiani in Morogoro Region-Elibariki Masuke, the Director of Retail Banking at NBC, lauded both clubs for their hard-fought achievements while emphasizing the pressing need for them to bolster their preparations and bolster their rosters. The competition in the NBC Premier League promises to be fierce, and the teams must rise to the occasion.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to all participants of the NBC Championship, but especially to Mtibwa Sugar FC and Mbeya City FC for this pivotal achievement. As you transition to the NBC Premier League, it’s crucial that you come prepared—particularly in terms of skill and strategy—to meet the high standards experienced in the NBC Premier league,” Masuke said.
NBC’s financial commitment to Tanzanian football is substantial, with its sponsorship of the three leagues reflecting an investment of 32 billion shillings. Masuke revealed that this ongoing support is designed not just to boost the clubs’ performance on the field, but also to promote job creation, having already generated over 7,000 direct jobs within the football community.
“These achievements inspire us to further enhance our efforts to uplift all three leagues, offering specialized financial services such as vehicle loans for clubs, health insurance for players and coaching staff, and financial education for all involved,” he added, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to the growth and sustainability of football in Tanzania.
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The weekend event at the Chamazi Complex also featured a high-spirited friendly match between the championship winners and Mbeya City FC, which ended with an exciting 2-2 draw, much to the delight of the fans in attendance.
Notably, the gathering saw a host of dignitaries from the sporting world, political figures, and government officials, led by Steven Mguto, the Second Vice President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and Chairman of the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB). His presence underlined the importance of this occasion as a unifying moment for stakeholders invested in the sport’s growth.
Mguto praised NBC’s unwavering commitment to football development in the country. He acknowledged the rising competitiveness among participating clubs, attributing this to the robust sponsorship that has enabled a more structured and effective operation, allowing clubs to attract top talent both locally and internationally.
“The Championship League has emerged as a premier competition—not only for the skills displayed by players but also for its operational excellence. In the past, many teams faced significant hurdles, often relying on local community support. With NBC stepping up as the sponsor, we have seen stability restored, allowing teams to thrive. We are truly grateful to NBC and extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Mtibwa Sugar and Mbeya City for their remarkable achievements,” emphasized Mguto.
In reflecting on the glory of the championship, Mtibwa Sugar FC’s captain, Oscar Masai, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in their success. He acknowledged the support of the sponsor for creating a nurturing environment for the teams and assured fans that they would be adequately prepared for the upcoming challenges of the NBC Premier League season.
