ZFF seeks 1bn/- for hosting Union League

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) is seeking 1.02bn/- to stage this year’s Union League, scheduled for 21–27 April at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar. The week-long tournament will feature eight teams, equally split between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

ZFF Secretary General, Hussein Ahmada Vuai said the Mainland league teams will be Young Africans, Simba SC, Azam FC and Singida Black Stars, while Zanzibar’s entrants are KVZ, Muembe Makumbi, Mlandege and Mafunzo. Vuai said the budget would cover prize money for winners, individual match awards such as Man of the Match, team accommodation, transport and other organisational costs.

The Federation has launched a sponsorshipseeking drive targeting private sector companies, government institutions and individuals to help raise the required funds.

“We have already submitted official letters, endorsed by the government, to various potential sponsors. We are also calling upon individuals and football stakeholders to support this important competition,” Vuai said.

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This year’s edition is expected to be more competitive than ever, he added, given the quality of the teams and the level of preparation already underway. In addition to sponsorship efforts, ZFF plans to host a fundraising gala, bringing together corporate organisations, sports stakeholders and football supporters.

The date and venue will be announced after consultations with Tanzania Securities Limited and Citadel Tanzania Limited, who are working with ZFF on the event. Although full details of the gala are yet to be made public, one of the key auction items is expected to be a jersey signed by Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi.

Vuai also said the tournament winner is likely to receive between 150m/- and 200m/-in prize money, a significant increase aimed at boosting competitiveness and motivation among the teams.