Magufuli hands Simba VPL cup

What you need to know:

  • President also received the First Runner-Up trophy from the Tanzania Street Children women soccer team, which was recently in Moscow, Russia, taking part in the Street Child World Cup

Dar es Salaam. Simba Sports Club was yesterday handed the Mainland Premier League trophy by President John Magufuli despite losing 1-0 to Kagera Sugar at the National Stadium.

The occasion marked the first time President Magufuli attended a sporting event at the National Stadium as Head of State.

Apart from officially bestowing the title on Simba, President Magufuli also received the East and Central Africa U-17 Challenge Cup from Serengeti Boys. The President also received the First Runner-Up trophy from the Tanzania Street Children women soccer team, which was recently in Moscow, Russia, taking part in the Street Child World Cup. The team lost 1-0 against Brazil in the final match.

Speaking during the occasion, the President praised Simba for winning the trophy despite their party being spoiled by Kagera Sugar. He also praised Serengeti Boys and the Tanzania Street Children women team for bringing the country top honour in the global arena. The Street Children team was sponsored by Mwanza’s Mansoor Industries Limited (Moil) under its director Altaf Hirani. “You have played well even though today’s defeat has halted your unbeaten run... I have been following various league matches from around the world and Simba had been the only club this year that had not lost a match before today’s defeat...but the record is now gone,” said President Magufuli.

The President also praised Serengeti Boys for emerging the CECAFA Youth Challenge Cup champions in Bunjumbura, Burundi, and called for players to maintain the high standards by winning the African Youth Championships to be held in the country next year.

He explained that Tanzania needed to open a new chapter in order to win international trophies after failing to do so since the country attained its independence in 1961.

“I call on Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and clubs to make sure we shine in international competitions. I will be very happy to see any club in the country and the national teams shinning on the international stage. I’m longing for the day I’ll receive an international trophy,” he quipped.

Meanwhile, Simba Sports Club yesterday failed to maintain its unbeaten run after losing 1-0 against Kagera Sugar in front of President John Magufuli at the National Stadium.

The Kagera Sugar goal was scored by Edward Christopher in the 86th minute of the encounter. Simba’s loss means that the Dar es Salaam club remained with 68 points after playing 29 matches in the ongoing league. The victory means Kagera Sugar avoided relegation from the Premier League after collecting 34 points from 29 matches.

The Msimbazi Street club now remains with only one match against Majimaji, which will be held at the Majimaji Stadium on May 28 in Ruvuma Region, to complete its games.