Yanga, GSM sign Stadium deal, set two-year completion target
Owner of GSM Group, Ghalib Said Mohamed (left), with Dar es Salaam RC Albert Chalamila (centre) and Young Africans SC president Hersi Said (right), arrive at the signing ceremony for the construction of the club’s modern stadium. PHOTO | COURTESY
Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian football giants Young Africans (Yanga)have officially unveiled plans to construct a modern 20,000-capacity stadium in Dar es Salaam, with the ambitious project expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months.
The major development was announced on May 15, 2026, during a landmark signing ceremony between the club and GSM Group held at Yanga’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking during the event, Yanga President Hersi Said described the project as a historic milestone that will transform the club into one of the most modern and self-sustaining football institutions on the continent.
“This is a special day for Yanga members, supporters and Tanzanian football as a whole. We are laying the foundation for the future generation of this club. The stadium will meet international standards and will become one of the best sporting facilities in East and Central Africa,” said Hersi.
He revealed that the state-of-the-art stadium will comply with all requirements set by world football governing body FIFA and African football governing body Confederation of African Football.
According to Hersi, the ownership structure of the stadium will be shared equally between Yanga and GSM Group, with each side holding 50 percent ownership rights.
“This partnership reflects trust, vision and commitment to the growth of football infrastructure in Tanzania. We believe this project will open new economic opportunities for the club and improve the matchday experience for our fans,” he added.
For her part, GSM Group Chief Executive Officer Aisha Mohamed pledged to deliver a world-class stadium that matches international quality and standards.
“We are not just building a football stadium, we are building a legacy for Tanzanian sports. This project will symbolize ambition, professionalism and the enormous potential that exists in our football industry,” said Aisha.
She added: “Our commitment is to ensure that every aspect of the stadium reflects modern technology, safety, comfort and international standards. Yanga supporters deserve a facility that matches the stature and history of their club.”
Aisha further noted that the project would also create employment opportunities for Tanzanians during both the construction and operational phases.
“We want this stadium to become a source of pride for the nation. It will stimulate economic activities, create jobs and inspire the next generation of athletes and sports investors,” she said.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila hailed the project as a major step in the development of sports infrastructure in the country.
“This is a historic investment not only for Yanga but also for Tanzania. The government welcomes such initiatives because they contribute to youth development, employment creation and economic growth,” said Chalamila.
He added that the project demonstrates how partnerships between private companies and sports institutions can accelerate development and position Tanzania as a leading sporting destination in Africa.
The colourful ceremony was attended by government officials, Yanga executives, GSM representatives, club legends and hundreds of excited supporters who welcomed the announcement with celebrations and optimism over the club’s future.
