Ndondo Cup spurs Imbeju football academy plan
DAR ES SALAAM: CRDB Bank plans to establish a football academy to nurture talented players identified through the Imbeju Ndondo Cup and help them advance into professional football.
The announcement was made by CRDB Bank Foundation Managing Director, Tully Esther Mwambapa, following the opening match of the 13th Imbeju Ndondo Cup at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, where Madenge FC defeated Mzimuni FC 1-0.
Speaking after the match, Tully said the bank was encouraged by the impressive turnout of fans and the high standard of football displayed during the tournament opener.
She said CRDB Bank’s 400m/- investment in the competition is aimed at creating opportunities for talented young players who often struggle to attract attention of top clubs.
“I was impressed by the huge crowd that filled KMC Stadium, but even more by the quality shown by the players in the opening match,” said Tully.
“I will engage CRDB Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abdulmajid Nsekela, on establishing the Imbeju Football Academy, or CRDB Foundation Academy to further develop these players and help them reach the highest level of the game.”
Tully said the CRDB Bank Foundation is using sport as a platform to economically empower young people, while creating employment opportunities.
“Sport is both a source of employment and good health. At the CRDB Bank Foundation, our vision is to inspire innovation and empower young people to become self-reliant. We want to see these players featuring in top leagues in Tanzania and abroad,” she said.
ALSO READ: Yas backs youth empowerment tournament through 2025 Ndondo Cup
Madenge FC, coached by Idd Moshi, secured victory through Fadhil Nado’s 39th-minute strike. Ardason Chawaka was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
Mzimuni FC, coached by former Young Africans player, Athumani Idd ‘Chuji’, struggled to match the pace of their opponents despite fielding newly signed midfielder Juma Abushiri, who recently joined Yanga from Fountain Gate FC.
The opening match attracted several Mainland Premier League and lower-division players, including former Yanga midfielder, Mukoko Tonombe.
Botswana National Sports Commission Chief Executive Officer, Olebile Sikwane, was also among the dignitaries who attended the tournament’s official launch.
In addition to the 400m/- invested in organising and running the competition, CRDB Bank has allocated more than 100m/- for prize money. The winners of the 2026 Imbeju Ndondo Cup will receive 30m/-, while the runners-up will take home 20m/-, in a move aimed at boosting competition and motivating participating teams.
