Denmark Ambassador praises One Tanzanite Academy’s Dana Cup win
The Ambassador of Denmark to Tanzania, Jesper Kammersgaard (second from left), poses with One Tanzanite Football Academy Managing Partner Agapit Manday (first from left) and other officials at Kijitonyama Ground in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | COURTESY
The achievement marked a milestone in East African football, as the academy became the first team from the region to win the prestigious youth tournament, which attracts clubs from all over the world
Dar es Salaam. The Ambassador of Denmark to Tanzania, Jesper Kammersgaard, has praised One Tanzanite Football Academy’s Under-16 boys’ team for their historic victory at the 2025 Dana Cup in Hjørring, Denmark.
The achievement marked a milestone in East African football, as the academy became the first team from the region to win the prestigious youth tournament, which attracts clubs from all over the world.
During a visit to the academy’s training ground at Kijitonyama (Bora) ground, Kijitonyama, the Ambassador met players, coaches, and management to personally deliver his congratulations.
He described their triumph as a remarkable testament to talent, resilience, and determination, especially considering the limited resources the academy operates with compared to the well-established European clubs they faced.
The Tanzanian youngsters did not only shine in Denmark but also impressed in Sweden, where they advanced to the quarterfinals of the Gothia Cup, another globally recognized youth tournament.
The back-to-back international performances have placed One Tanzanite Football Academy firmly on the map as one of the most promising youth football programs in Africa.
Call for investment in youth sports
Ambassador Kammersgaard used the occasion to highlight the importance of investing in youth sports development.
He stressed that proper infrastructure is essential for nurturing young talent and called on stakeholders, well-wishers, and corporate sponsors to step forward.
Drawing from Denmark’s own model, he explained how consistent investment in youth-friendly sports facilities across the country has contributed to producing competitive teams on the world stage, despite Denmark’s relatively small population.
“Tanzania has immense football potential,” he said. “With the right facilities, programs, and support, academies like One Tanzanite can produce world-class players who will not only represent Tanzania but also make a mark internationally.”
Invitation to Mexico tournament
The academy’s exploits in Europe have already opened new doors. A Mexican club and agent have extended an invitation for the team to participate in a tournament and player trials this November 2025.
The hosts have pledged to cover accommodation, meals, and local transport for the 25-member delegation, but the academy still faces a major hurdle—funding international air tickets.
To make the dream possible, One Tanzanite Football Academy has launched an appeal to well-wishers, organizations, and corporate partners to help cover flight costs.
The academy emphasizes that this support is not just about travel, but about transforming the lives of young players percent of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A platform for dreams
Founded with the mission of combining football excellence with life-changing opportunities, One Tanzanite Football Academy currently accommodates 105 players.
Registered under Certificate No. 556451 and recognized by the National Sports Council of Tanzania (NSC 13713), the academy is one of the few fully accredited football development centers in the country.
Beyond football, the institution strives to instill discipline, education, and life skills, giving underprivileged children a chance at brighter futures.
The recent victories abroad are proof of the academy’s growing impact, and the invitation to Mexico represents another golden opportunity for players to showcase their abilities and possibly secure professional contracts.
In exchange for sponsorship support, the academy has pledged to provide visibility and branding opportunities to its partners at both national and international levels.
With global media attention surrounding their Dana Cup success, the academy has promised to carry the Tanzanian flag with pride wherever they play.
As Ambassador Kammersgaard noted, the story of One Tanzanite Football Academy is not just about winning trophies,bit is about resilience, opportunity, and the promise of a new generation of Tanzanian football stars ready to take on the world.
