Arusha’s team heads to Kenya for 2nd African Women Cup

ARUSHA: TANZANIA is proudly sending a spirited team of female soccer players to Nairobi, Kenya, to compete in the Second African Women Cup, a dynamic and empowering sporting event organised under the Homeless World Cup initiative.

Following the successful inaugural tournament held in Arusha in 2024, where Uganda triumphed as champions, this year’s edition will take place in the Kenyan capital from June 28 to 29 promising another exciting showdown of talent, teamwork and transformation.

A delegation of 13 representatives from Arusha, including 10 players and 3 officials, will travel to Nairobi today, to fly the Tanzanian flag high in this uniquely impactful competition.

The African Women Cup is no ordinary football tournament. It forms part of the Homeless World Cup movement, which uses the power of football to uplift lives and drive social change across the globe.

Tanzania is among the eight African countries that are members of this inspiring initiative, joining the effort through Future Stars Academy (FSA), based in Arusha.

Eva Mmary, head coach at FSA and mentor to the women’s team, emphasised the tournament’s deeper purpose, “This isn’t just about football, it’s about empowering disadvantaged young women by equipping them with essential life skills, promoting physical and mental well-being and offering them a platform to shine.”

The inaugural edition of the African Women Cup was hosted at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) grounds in last year, where Tanzania faced a tough 6-1 defeat against Uganda in the finals.

However, this year, the Tanzanian team returns stronger, more determined and ready to reclaim glory.

The African Women Cup features a special street football format, played in compact pitches, with teams consisting of just four players on each side, creating a fast-paced, high-energy game environment that’s both exciting and inclusive.

For 2025, the tournament will once again bring together eight nations host Kenya, Tanzania (previous host), Uganda (defending champions), Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa.

The event not only celebrates women’s sports but also serves as a powerful platform to support vulnerable communities. According to James McMeekin, Chief Operating Officer of the Homeless World Cup Foundation.

“The African Women Cup is a bold step toward protecting and empowering women, especially those at risk of exploitation. It’s about creating a future where sport becomes a vehicle for hope, dignity, and opportunity.