Bank supports Coastal Union FC with new bus

DAR ES SALAAM: In a significant boost to local sports, the National Bank of Commerce (NBC), the principal sponsor of the NBC Premier League, has presented a brand-new bus to Coastal Union FC.

This initiative underscores NBC’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of football in the league and supporting its member clubs.

With this support on loan basis, Coastal Union FC becomes the fourth team to benefit from NBC’s favorable loan program, following similar support provided to KMC from Kinondoni, Singida Big Stars, and Namungo FC. This initiative has seen an impressive total of 1.2bn/- allocated for transportation loans across the four clubs, marking a transformative step in the league’s operational capabilities.

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The formal handover of the bus took place over the weekend at NBC’s Tanga branch, featuring a vibrant parade that showcased the bus in various locations throughout the city. The ceremony was presided over by Lushoto District Commissioner Mr Zephania Stephan Sumaye on behalf of Tanga Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Dr Batilda Burian.

The event drew the attention of local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Tanga, Al-Hajj Abdulrahman Shiloow, and key officials from NBC, led by the Director of Business Banking, Elvis Ndunguru. Coastal Union FC was represented by its Chairman, Mr Muhsin Ramadhan Hassan, along with players, coaching staff, and the club’s sponsor, RATCO Express.

In his address, Mr Sumaye lauded NBC for their generous gesture, highlighting its alignment with the regional government’s efforts to respond to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s call for accelerated development in Tanga.

He emphasized the importance of improving sports infrastructure as a vehicle for broader community progress.

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He added: “What NBC has undertaken today is a testament to their commitment to answering President Samia’s call. I am particularly pleased to see NBC addressing the comprehensive needs of athletes, including health insurance. This initiative is commendable,” he remarked. “I urge our players and club leaders to ensure that these investments lead to tangible improvements in on-field performance.”

In remarks, Ndunguru shared insights into the motivations behind the bus support, explaining that it is part of the bank’s broader strategy to provide low-interest loans to clubs in the league.

He noted that the lack of dedicated transport has historically amplified operational costs and hindered team performance.

“Our dedication as key sponsor extends beyond merely providing transport loans. We are committed to enhancing facilities used within this league, offering health insurance for players and coaching staff, and delivering financial literacy programs for stakeholders in sports,” he mentioned.

Both Chairman Muhsin Ramadhan Hassan and Mayor Al-Hajj Shiloow expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support from NBC. They acknowledged the transportation challenges that have previously hindered Coastal Union FC, particularly impacting the team’s overall performance and competitive edge.

“With this new bus, Tanga has truly marked its partnership with NBC Bank. We can now transport our players anywhere, anytime, with a greater assurance of comfort and reliability. We are better equipped than ever to compete more effectively in the league as a result of today’s initiative,” declared Chairman Muhsin, his optimism reflecting the sentiments of the entire club.

“NBC Bank’s generous action not only enhances the operational capabilities of Coastal Union FC but also symbolizes a larger movement toward the revitalization of sports in our region, fostering community pride and athletic excellence’’ added Mayor Shiloow.

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