Young people in Dar es Salaam have been encouraged to take advantage of the Safari Cup tournament as a platform to showcase their talents and unlock potential career opportunities in football.
The Safari Lager team is set to face Yanga SC in the grand final of the tournament, scheduled for July 26 at the KMC Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
During the official launch of the second season of the Safari Cup—organized by Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) through its Safari Lager brand Kinondoni District Commissioner Saad Mtambule urged participants to uphold high standards of discipline and professionalism throughout the competition.
“This is a golden opportunity for our youth to be noticed by football clubs and potentially get recruited to play in different leagues,” Mtambule said. “I applaud TBL for its commitment to investing in sports. This aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s broader efforts to promote youth development through sports.”
He emphasized that sustainable growth in sports must begin at the grassroots level, through local tournaments in villages and neighborhoods. This approach, he said, is key to identifying and nurturing emerging talent.
Mtambule also acknowledged the challenges facing Dar es Salaam, including inadequate training grounds and facilities. He advocated for the establishment of both short- and long-term football academies to support talent development.
He assured the public that both Kinondoni District and the broader Dar es Salaam region will work together to ensure the tournament is conducted smoothly, with security measures in place from the early stages through to the final.
“We are confident that this year’s tournament will be even more competitive and impactful than last season’s,” he added.
He also confirmed that a third season of the Safari Cup is already in the pipeline and called on stakeholders to continue supporting the initiative to make it even bigger and better.
Charles Maguzu, Sports Development Officer at the National Sports Council (BMT), commended Yanga SC for collaborating with Safari Lager to organize the tournament, praising the initiative for its role in scouting and nurturing talent.
“Talent development requires a clear strategic plan and financial backing,” Maguzu noted. “Safari Lager has stepped in as a key sponsor, easing the burden on the government and playing a crucial role in youth sports development.”
He affirmed BMT’s commitment to partnering with Yanga SC to ensure the Safari Cup continues to grow in reach and impact.
Yanga SC Chief Executive Officer, Andre Mtime, reaffirmed the club’s dedication to supporting the tournament and helping young players realize their dreams.
“As Yanga SC, we are proud to partner with Safari Lager for the second time. This initiative has already helped identify and promote new football talent across Tanzania,” Mtime said. “We thank Safari Lager for recognizing our contribution and supporting this important cause.”
He encouraged fans and stakeholders to attend the finals in large numbers and witness the rising stars of Tanzanian football.
Pamela Kikuli, TBL Brand Manager, announced that team registration for the tournament has begun and will continue over the next two weeks.
She revealed that the tournament will reach four major regions through sports bonanzas: starting May 24 in Mbeya (FFU grounds), followed by Mwanza on May 31, Arusha on June 7, and concluding in Dar es Salaam on June 18.
Kikuli highlighted the success of last year’s tournament, which attracted over 1,200 participants and led to eight players signing with professional clubs across the country.