The CRDB Bank-Nanauka Cup, organised by Mtwara Urban MP Joel Arthur Nanauka and sponsored by CRDB Bank, has provided a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents. Four players who featured in the tournament have secured contracts with clubs competing in various leagues in Tanzania and Zanzibar. This development has been hailed as a testament to the success of the tournament in creating a bridge between grassroots football and competitive national leagues.
Mohammed Issa, popularly known as De Gea, who played for Tandika Ward, has joined Villa FC, which competes in the Zanzibar First Division League. The club aims to secure promotion to the Zanzibar Premier League next season. Victor Frank, an attacking midfielder who played for Chuno Ward, has joined TMA FC of Arusha, which competes in the NBC Championship League on Tanzania Mainland.
Aston Gaston, who played for Reli Ward, has joined Mtwara-based Bandari Tanzania FC, which competes in the Championship League. Alex Damas of Vigaeni Ward has signed for Alliance FC, which plays in the First Division League on Tanzania Mainland. These players have been given an opportunity to pursue professional football careers, a significant achievement for young footballers from Mtwara.
CRDB Director of Retail Banking Bonaventura Paul said the bank would continue investing in sports as a means of helping young people pursue their dreams. He noted that sports provide an important platform for identifying talent, building discipline, and creating economic opportunities for young people. The success of these four youngsters in securing professional contracts is a tangible result of the investment made through partnerships with various stakeholders.
Chuno Ward coach Salum Telela, a former Yanga and Taifa Stars player, said the tournament had provided a new direction for young people involved in grassroots football. He noted that for many years, young players have been playing without a platform to showcase their talents. Through the CRDB Bank Nanauka Cup, players are being spotted and signed by bigger clubs, motivating other youngsters to train harder.
Former Tanzania U-15 national team coach Abel Mtweve said grassroots competitions provided an important platform for players to showcase their abilities and earn contracts with clubs in different divisions. He noted that several regions do not have clubs competing in the Premier League, Championship, or First Division, making such tournaments important not only for entertainment but also for identifying emerging talent.
The tournament coordinator, Fudi Faso, said it was a source of pride to see players from the competition earning opportunities to compete at higher levels. He noted that community leagues had become an important source of talented players capable of playing in top domestic leagues and even international competitions. Mtwara Urban MP Joel Arthur Nanauka congratulated the four youngsters on their achievement and urged them to make good use of the opportunity while becoming ambassadors for the development of sports among other young people in their communities.
Key points
- The CRDB Bank-Nanauka Cup has provided a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents and secure contracts with top clubs.
- Four young footballers from Mtwara have secured contracts with clubs in Tanzania and Zanzibar after impressing in the tournament.
- The tournament has been hailed as a success in creating a bridge between grassroots football and competitive national leagues.
