MOSHI: TANZANIA’S top football clubs, Simba and Young Africans, have called on a resolution to support Wallace Karia as the sole candidate for presidency of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) in the upcoming election.
The motion was presented by Simba President, Murtaza Mangungu, during the federation’s annual general meeting. Mangungu urged the delegates to endorse Karia for re-election, citing the significant contributions he has made to development of football in Tanzania.
“My fellow delegates, I ask that we pass this resolution to support Karia as the only candidate for the TFF presidency. This is the reward we can give him for the tremendous work he has done for football in our country,” Mangungu stated.
The proposal was supported by Yanga President, Hersi Said, who echoed Mangungu’s sentiments. “I fully support the idea of my brother Mangungu. I stand behind this decision 100 per cent,” said Said.
Following the proposal, delegates showed their approval with applause. However, TFF President Karia requested clarification from the TFF’s First Vice-President, Athuman Nyamlani, on the legal implications of the resolution.
Nyamlani explained that endorsing Karia as the sole candidate at this stage would be contrary to the TFF Constitution, which promotes good governance and democratic processes.
He clarified that such a decision could only be made closer to the election period, when TFF members have the right to propose and endorse candidates. “At this moment, we would be violating the principles of good governance.
However, when the election period arrives, members are free to propose candidates and make their endorsements and this is not unusual.
For example, CAF President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were also endorsed by their respective members,” Nyamlani explained. In conclusion, while the resolution to endorse
Karia as the sole candidate was supported by both clubs, the decision to formally nominate him will be deferred until the election process officially begins, in line with TFF’s constitution.
