DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA Football Federation (TFF) President, Wallace Karia (pictured) disclosed that the country’s football has made significant strides within the three years of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s tenure.
The Federation chief highlighted the Head of State’s contribution as valuable for the success of football discipline, including the prize she offered for each goal the national team and clubs (Simba and Yanga) scored in their international representation of the country.
He disclosed this yesterday in Dar es Salaam while stressing that President Samia has achieved countless great achievements in a short spell.
“Having a chance to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in partnership with our East Africa neighbours Kenya and Uganda, the Under 17 women’s team ‘Serengeti Girls’ participating in the World Cup in 2022 and the inauguration of the African Football League (AFL) in Dar es Salaam and many other accomplishments,” he stated.
He also commended the President’s effort which saw two teams, Simba and Young Africans from Tanzania sailing into the CAF Champions League quarterfinals to seal a record of being among the eight countries that had successfully entered two teams into the knockout stage in the tournament history.
President Samia has been awarding 5m/- to national envoys for each goal scored in the Champions’ League group stage which in return has helped to boost the players’ morale t o e xcel in the competition quarterfinals.
According to the Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, the President has doubled the goal motivation package from 5m/- to 10m/- in the quarterfinals.
In another development, during his interview, Karia urged supporters and spokespersons of both Simba and Yanga to stand united to ensure both teams advance to the semifinals.
He called for maximum attendance at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium during their Champions League quarter-finals first-leg matches on March 29th for Simba and 30th for Yanga.
“We may fear our opponents, but they also fear our teams. Let’s use this opportunity to strategies well and demonstrate our capabilities,” he said.
Additionally, he called on leaders of the respective teams and spokespersons to ensure that their statements do not incite unrest among the public and cautioned that they will not hesitate to take action against anyone who stirs up trouble.
Simba is currently preparing to face Egyptian side Al Ahly which is the most successful club in Africa as the club has won a record 11 CAF Champions League titles.
Their counterpart the Jangwani-based club, Yanga is gearing up to host Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa.
