DAR ES SALAAM: In a move that has captivated the hearts of football enthusiasts across Tanzania, the National Bank of Commerce (NBC), the main sponsor of the NBC Premier League, has announced the introduction of a revolutionary ‘Man of the match’ award aimed at enhancing the excitement and competition within the league.
According to the sponsor, the move is just the beginning of their comprehensive efforts to elevate the league and provide even better plans to increase the overall attraction and competitive spirit among the participating teams.
The curtain-raiser for this innovative award saw Yona Amosi Abel, the goalkeeper of Pamba Jiji FC in Mwanza, being named the best player in the opening match between his team and Prisons from Mbeya, which ended in a goalless draw at the Mwanza’s CCM Kirumba Stadium.
Leading the charge in Mwanza was the Nyanza Branch Manager of NBC Bank, Innocent Ngavatula, who proudly presented the award to the deserving player. This ceremony was followed by similar award handovers in other regions, including Kigoma, Mbeya, and Dar es Salaam, where the league matches were played.
“By officially introducing these awards in every match of the NBC Premier League, we have already presented a total of four awards to players from different clubs that have already played their first-round matches,” revealed David Raymond, the Head of Marketing at NBC Bank.
“In addition to Yona Amosi from Pamba Jiji FC, we have also handed over the similar awards to Ibrahim Ame, the central defender from Mashujaa FC, midfielder Emmanuel Keyekeh ‘The Sniper’ from Singida Black Stars, and Simba SC defender, Che Fondoh Malone.” He mentioned.
According to Raymond, the introduction of the awards for the best players in each match has not affected the bank’s previous tradition of recognizing the league’s best player and coach on a monthly basis.
The primary objective is to ensure that within a short period, the league is infused with even more exciting elements, aimed at increasing the momentum and competition through the acknowledgment of the efforts made by the players and their coaching staff.
“Through our partnership with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and other stakeholders, including various experts in this sport, we will continue to come up with innovative ideas that are more beneficial to all stakeholders in this league, including the fans,” Raymond added, underscoring the bank’s unwavering commitment to the development of Tanzanian football.
As the main sponsor of the NBC Premier League, Championship League, and Youth League, NBC Bank has been providing a range of banking services to the participating clubs, including bus loans and health insurance coverage for players and coaching staff.
Additionally, the lender has been actively involved in organizing championship celebrations for the league winners and even sponsoring various sports events organized by the TFF and other stakeholders in the country including the government.
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“Our goal is to ensure that the NBC Premier League, Championship League, and Youth League continue to grow in stature and attract the best talent from across the globe,” said Ibrahimu Nzutu, the Head of Business Banking at NBC Bank.
“By introducing these player awards and continuously enhancing the overall experience, we are confident that the beautiful game in Tanzania will reach new heights of excitement and competitiveness.” He added
The introduction of the ‘man of the match’ award in the NBC Premier League has already generated a buzz among football enthusiasts in the country, and the anticipation is palpable as the league progresses. NBC Bank’s unwavering dedication to elevating the sport, coupled with its innovative approach, has solidified its position as a true champion of Tanzanian football, inspiring a new generation of players and fans alike.
