Yanga kick off ‘Wiki ya Wananchi’ with charity drive at Muhimbili

DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG Africans are set to lace up not just their boots but also their hearts, as the club prepares a charity initiative aimed at supporting patients and supplying vital medical equipment to the children’s department at Muhimbili National Hospital.

The club’s Media and Communication Manager, Ally Kamwe, revealed the plans yesterday during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam as part of the launch of Wiki ya Wananchi, a week-long festival of yellow-and-green pride that will climax on Friday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Kamwe made an impassioned call to the Yanga faithful, urging them to rally behind the cause.

“On Thursday, we will have a charity event at Muhimbili Hospital. Yanga fans should come to the hospital with various necessities. For those who cannot make it to Muhimbili, they should go to various centres and reach those in need,” he said.

The community-centred schedule will kick off tomorrow with a blood donation drive at the club’s Jangwani headquarters, while fans in remote areas are encouraged to donate at their nearest major hospitals.

To sweeten the noble gesture, those who donate blood will also receive gifts from Yanga’s sponsors. The drive will be capped with a hearty soup-sharing session back at Jangwani.

On Wednesday, the spotlight shifts to environmental stewardship as the club’s leadership, members and branches roll up their sleeves for a clean-up and tree-planting exercise in Kawe, Dar es Salaam.

Later in the day, Yanga will seek divine intervention with a national prayer service at their Jangwani base, asking for blessings ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

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The grand finale on Friday promises to be a carnival of sport and entertainment. Star artist Zuhura Othman Soud alias ‘Zuchu’ will headline the performances alongside a host of other musicians, while on the pitch the main attraction will be a clash between Kenya’s Bandari FC and Yanga.

The curtain-raiser will see Yanga officials face off against Yanga artists, followed by an outing for the Yanga Princess women’s team.

Kamwe stressed that Wiki ya Wananchi will not be confined to Dar es Salaam.

“Any activity that is done in Dar es Salaam should also be done by our fans or members from various areas inside and outside the borders of Tanzania. What is done in Mbagala or Tegeta should also be done by our members in Tokyo, Lubumbashi, Pretoria, New York and Mombasa,” he declared.

For Yanga, this week is not just about football, it is about faith, family and giving back.