Young talent sees new dawn with SportPesa initiative

DAR ES SALAAM: SPORTPESA’s youth football initiative, Game Changers, is gaining momentum as it rolls out structured support for young players across Tanzania. The program was created in response to a growing need: many youths—particularly those aged 18 and above—train with dedication but lack basic equipment such as proper kits, cones, and boots.

Initially launched in two regions, Game Changers has evolved into an organized grassroots program aimed at identifying disciplined, hard-working players who lack the tools necessary to develop their talent.

The initiative operates under the tagline “Pasi kwa Pasi Hadi Ubingwa,” a message that emphasizes gradual progress, teamwork, and consistency. According to SportPesa, this philosophy shapes all program activities—from scouting and equipping players to monitoring their development throughout the season.

To ensure transparency, SportPesa works directly with regional football associations. Each participating area undergoes a week-long scouting process in which assessors evaluate players’ technical abilities, physical fitness, and character traits such as leadership and teamwork.

So far, the program has reached teams in Tanga and Morogoro. In Tanga, Fair Play FC, Machinjioni FC, Kong Halaard, and Makorora Stars were selected. In Morogoro, Elimu FC, Super Tiger, Jamaica FC, and Mayai FC joined the program. Altogether, 120 players and eight goalkeepers have received support.

Each selected youth receives a Game Changers training kit, including a branded jersey, shorts, socks, a drawstring bag, and a water bottle. Goalkeepers also receive gloves. SportPesa says the kits are designed to build confidence and introduce a sense of professionalism—elements often missing at the grassroots level.

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“We hope these kits empower players in their daily training and inspire them to reach their full potential,” a SportPesa representative said.

Beyond equipment, the initiative provides visibility by profiling standout players and coaches across SportPesa’s media platforms, which collectively reach more than two million viewers. A coach in Tanga praised the impact, saying, “When a brand like SportPesa shows up, it is not just sponsorship; it is motivation.” A team captain in Morogoro added that the kits remind players that “their dreams are valid.”

The program’s early rollout has highlighted distinct strengths in each region—Morogoro players balancing football with school, and Tanga players showing exceptional readiness and energy. According to SportPesa, these observations reinforce the depth of untapped talent across the country.

The company emphasized that the support is “an investment in potential” rather than a donation. Confidence and discipline among players reportedly increased following the kit handovers, with communities also noting the change.

SportPesa plans to expand Game Changers to six additional regions before the end of 2025 and will continue tracking the progress of supported teams. Long-term plans include reviving the SportPesa Cup with a revised format inspired by the program. Under the proposed structure, selected teams will compete regionally, advance to zonal playoffs, and ultimately battle for a spot in the semifinals. The winning team will earn a rare opportunity to play against Yanga SC, SportPesa’s sponsored club.

According to SportPesa, the Game Changers project aims to ensure that no talented young player navigates their football journey alone. The company says that with the right support, “the pitch becomes a classroom, the team becomes a family, and football becomes a pathway.”