CRDB Bank has pledged to deepen its investment in youth development through sport, using the Imbeju Ndondo Cup as a platform to identify talent, promote financial literacy, and connect young people with opportunities beyond football. The bank's commitment was highlighted by its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Abdulmajid Nsekela, after Madenge FC were crowned champions of the 2026 Imbeju Ndondo Cup. The tournament was held at the KMC Complex, where Madenge FC defeated Azimio FC 1-0 in the final.
Madenge FC secured the title through a late strike by Anderson Chawaka, who scored in added time to settle a tightly contested final and spark celebrations among his teammates. Chawaka was later named Man of the Match for producing the decisive moment in a game that appeared destined for extra time. Madenge received the championship trophy, gold medals, and Sh30 million in prize money, with Nsekela presenting the awards. Azimio, who finished runners-up, received Sh15 million after reaching the final.
The 2026 tournament was the 13th edition of the Imbeju Ndondo Cup, with CRDB Bank Foundation committing Sh400 million to the competition. More than Sh100 million was initially allocated for prize money and individual awards, reflecting the bank's growing investment in grassroots football. The bank's involvement in the tournament goes beyond the competition itself, as it is linked to its wider Imbeju programme.
The Imbeju programme seeks to create opportunities for young people through sport, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and skills development. Nsekela said Tanzania's young population possesses significant creative and entrepreneurial potential, and that initiatives under the Imbeju programme were designed to connect young people with opportunities, knowledge, markets, and networks. He emphasized that sport should not be viewed solely as entertainment, but also as a platform for employment, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods.
Nsekela said sport is an important platform through which young people can develop skills, demonstrate their abilities, and connect with opportunities. The bank has also announced plans to establish an Imbeju Football Academy, which is expected to provide a pathway for identifying and nurturing promising players emerging from the competition. This programme could give grassroots players an opportunity to move from informal football competitions into more structured development environments.
The bank's youth initiatives are aligned with its EVOLVE 2023-2027 strategy, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, financial inclusion, and sustainable community development. Nsekela stressed the importance of competitions such as the Imbeju Ndondo Cup in identifying talent that could otherwise remain unnoticed. He congratulated Madenge on their victory and praised Azimio for reaching the final, while acknowledging the contribution of participating teams, players, coaches, and supporters to the tournament.
For CRDB Bank, the tournament represents an opportunity to combine football, financial knowledge, entrepreneurship, and talent development in an effort to create opportunities that extend beyond the pitch. The bank's commitment to youth development through sport is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of young people in Tanzania. Key initiatives under the Imbeju programme will continue to provide opportunities for young people to develop their skills and connect with new opportunities.
Key points
- CRDB Bank commits Sh400 million to the 2026 Imbeju Ndondo Cup, with over Sh100 million allocated for prize money and individual awards.
- The bank's Imbeju programme seeks to create opportunities for young people through sport, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and skills development.
- CRDB Bank plans to establish an Imbeju Football Academy to provide a pathway for identifying and nurturing promising players.
