AH, the Mapinduzi Cup— that annual football fiesta that blends passion, pride and a healthy dose of unpredictability is here once again.
This year, the tournament has added an extra twist to its rich tapestry of drama, with two teams pulling out faster than a referee reaching for a red card. First it was Burundi.
A, day later we are told that Uganda too have also decided to pull out for reasons best known to themselves.
Yet, in true revolutionary spirit, the organisers have turned chaos into opportunity, reshaping the competition into a thrilling round-robin format.
With four resilient teams ready to battle it out, the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup promises unforgettable action, showcasing not just football but also the unyielding spirit of the beautiful game.
And now, instead of two groups, the tournament has been restructured into a single league. Yes, folks, it’s a free-forall. One group, all teams playing against each other and a promise that at least one of them will emerge victorious— or at least survive until the final on January 13 at Gombani Stadium.
This year’s Mapinduzi Cup lineup is as eclectic as a music playlist featuring taarab, bongo flava and Bob Marley’s greatest hits. Let’s meet the contenders: Zanzibar Heroes (Hosts): The home team, armed with local talent and the hopes of an entire archipelago.
Their secret weapon? Home-field advantage and a diet rich in fresh seafood. Kilimanjaro Stars (Tanzania Mainland): These guys are here to prove that being from the mainland means you’re just a little better at kicking a ball.
Or so they claim. Harambee Stars (Kenya): They may have only one Mapinduzi Cup title under their belt, but they’re coming in hot, fuelled by Nyama Choma and endless optimism.
Burkina Faso: Wait, what? Yes, Burkina Faso. Why are they here? Who invited them? No one knows, but they’re ready to bring West African flair to this East African showdown.
Traditionally, the Mapinduzi Cup has been a stage for club teams, but this year, national teams are taking the spotlight.
Why? Because 2027’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is being co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda and everyone needs practice.
Think of it as a dress rehearsal for the big show— with fewer spectators and more missed penalties. “This year’s competition offers an excellent opportunity for teams to prepare for CHAN and AFCON,” explained Jabir.
“Also, it’s a chance for Zanzibar to remind everyone we’re still here and still revolutionary,” he added.
All matches will take place at the 30,000-seater Gombani Stadium in Pemba, a venue known for its breathtaking terraces and surrounding greenery.
Fans from all over are expected to flock to the stadium, bringing with them drums, vuvuzelas and an unshakable belief that their team is the best—even when they’re losing 4-0.
The final, scheduled for January 13, promises to be a spectacle of epic proportions. Will Zanzibar Heroes channel the spirit of 1964 and emerge victorious?
Or will Burkina Faso swoop in and steal the show like an uninvited guest at a wedding? Aside from the usual bragging rights, this year’s Mapinduzi Cup is about more than just football. It’s about unity, preparation and, let’s be honest, having a good laugh.
For Zanzibar, it’s a chance to shine on the international stage and remind everyone that revolutionaries can also play ball.
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For Tanzania Mainland it’s an opportunity to flex their football muscles and maybe pick up a trophy along the way. For Kenya it’s all about proving they’re ready for 2027.
And maybe, just maybe, avenging those missed chances from previous tournaments. For Burkina Faso: Who knows? Maybe they just wanted a vacation in Zanzibar.
The tournament has always been fun. Whatever happens, one thing is certain: The Mapinduzi Cup 2025 will be unforgettable.
Well, as it gains momentum, Tanzania Mainland has placed all its hopes in the hands of Kilimanjaro Stars, a team now under the leadership of coach Ahmad Ally.
Given the history and pressure of this tournament, Coach Ahmad Ally has a significant role in ensuring that the Stars perform well, while also using this opportunity to prepare the team for CHAN and AFCON.
Following his appointment, the tactician appeared grateful yet confident about leading the team.
He is a seasoned football coach with extensive experience in Tanzanian football, showcasing a steady climb through the coaching ranks.
He is currently the Head Coach at JKT Tanzania FC, a team known for its disciplined approach and competitive spirit in the local league.
His previous tenure at Prisons SC highlighted his ability to work with resource-constrained teams, extracting the best out of his players while competing with bigger clubs.
Ahmad’s foundational work as an assistant coach at KMC FC and Mbao FC has probably given him a platform to learn the intricacies of managing teams at the elite level. He played a pivotal role in tactical planning and mentoring young players.
Holder of a CAF A Class Diploma, this high-level coaching certification underscores his expertise in managing toptier teams and implementing advanced football strategies. And Ahmad Ally is not just a coach but a mentor to many young talents in Tanzanian football. His journey reflects resilience and a commitment to elevating the local football scene
Speaking to the media, he said: “This is a great opportunity for me and I thank the officials for recognising something in me. We have gathered a squad that we believe is strong and we will step onto the pitch ready to fight.”
Ahmed is known for his ability to develop local talents, a skill that is evident in the selection of Kilimanjaro Stars’ squad.
In his 28-man squad, all players come from domestic clubs, showing his focus on nurturing local talent and strengthening the foundation of Tanzanian football.
At first glance, Coach Ahmed Ally’s squad seems to be a mix of experience and emerging talents.
Here’s a quick look at the players chosen and their positions: Goalkeepers
•Metacha Mnata (Singida BS)
•Ramadhani Chalamanda (Kagera Sugar) Defenders
•Anthony Mpemba (Azam FC, Ngorongoro Heroes)
•Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam FC)
•Nickson Mosha (KMC FC, Ngorongoro Heroes)
•Vedastus Masinde (TMA Stars, Ngorongoro Heroes) •Lameck Lawi (Coastal Union, Ngorongoro Heroes)
•Wilson Nangu (JKT Tanzania) •David Bryson (JKT Tanzania) Midfielders
•Pascal Msindo (Azam FC)
•Hijjah Shamte (Kagera Sugar, Ngorongoro Heroes)
•Semfuko Charles (Coastal Union)
•Said Naushad (Kagera Sugar) •Ahmed Bakari Pipino (KMC FC, Ngorongoro Heroes)
•Sospeter Bajana (Azam FC) •Abdulkarim Kiswanya (Azam FC, Ngorongoro Heroes)
•Idd Nado (Azam FC)
•Bakary Msimu (Coastal Union, Ngorongoro Heroes) Forwards
•Zidane Sereri (Dodoma Jiji, Ngorongoro Heroes) •Ayoub Lyanga (Singida BS)
•William Edgar (Fountain Gate) •Nassoro Saadun (Azam FC) •Offen Chikola (Tabora United) •Joshua Ibrahim (KenGold FC)
•Abdul Hamis (Azam FC) •Sabri Kondo (KVZ, Ngorongoro Heroes)
•Gamba Idd (JKT Tanzania)
•Crispin Ngushi (Mashujaa FC) Coach Ahmed Ally has made it clear that the Mapinduzi Cup is not just about winning the trophy; it’s also a vital preparation phase for the bigger tournaments ahead. In his interview, he said:
“We are focusing on domestic league players, but we are also looking ahead.
This tournament is a learning experience for the whole team. We want to improve, grow, and go further.
” His squad includes several players from Ngorongoro Heroes, signalling his intention to build a solid foundation of young talents that will serve Tanzanian football for years to come.
With teams like Harambee Stars (Kenya), Burkina Faso hosts Zanzibar Heroes in the mix, Kilimanjaro Stars face stiff competition. But with this squad, the hope of bringing the trophy back home is alive.
Tanzanian football fans have long waited to see their team shine on the international stage, and the Mapinduzi Cup 2025 offers another chance to make history. Will Coach Ahmed Ally and his squad succeed in delivering the Mapinduzi Cup to Tanzania?
The answer will unfold on the pitch, with fans cheering on as the hopes of the nation echo through the stands of Pemba.
It’s going to be a wild ride, full of goals, gaffes, and enough laughter to keep you warm through January.
As the sun sets over Pemba and the cheers of fans echo through Gombani Stadium, the Mapinduzi Cup will once again prove why it’s more than just a football tournament.
It’s a celebration of history, culture, and the unbreakable spirit of East Africa. And if you’re lucky, you might even witness a goal or two.
So, here’s to the Mapinduzi Cup 2025—a revolutionary tournament for revolutionary times. May the best team win and may the rest at least make us laugh while trying.
