The exact date and venue for the fundraising gala will be announced after consultations with Tanzania Securities Limited, in collaboration with Citadel Tanzania Limited, who are working closely with ZFF
Dar es Salaam. The The Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) is seeking a total of Sh1.02 billion to successfully stage the upcoming Union Cup tournament, scheduled to take place from April 21 to 27 at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
The highly anticipated competition is expected to bring together some of the region’s top football clubs, with eight teams set to participate. The tournament will feature an equal representation of teams from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, ensuring a balanced and competitive showcase of talent.
According to ZFF Secretary General Hussein Ahmada Vuai, Mainland Tanzania will be represented by defending champions Young Africans (Yanga), alongside Simba SC, Azam FC, and Singida Black Stars. On the Zanzibar side, the participating teams will include KVZ, Muembe Makumbi, Mlandege, and Mafunzo, all of which are expected to bring strong competition to the tournament.
Vuai explained that the proposed budget of Sh1.02 billion will cater to a wide range of organisational needs. These include prize money for winning teams, individual match awards such as Man of the Match accolades, accommodation for participating teams, transport logistics, and other essential operational costs required to ensure a smooth and professional tournament.
He added that the federation has already embarked on an active sponsorship drive, reaching out to stakeholders from the private sector, government institutions, and individual contributors in an effort to mobilise the required funds. According to him, official letters endorsed by the government have already been sent to various potential sponsors to secure their support. “We have already submitted official letters, endorsed by the government, to various potential sponsors. We are also calling upon individuals and football stakeholders to support this important competition,” Vuai said, emphasising the importance of collective effort in making the tournament a success.
Vuai further noted that this year’s edition of the Union Cup is expected to be more competitive than previous editions.
This is largely due to the quality of participating teams and the level of preparation each side has undertaken in anticipation of the event.
In addition to sponsorship efforts, ZFF is also planning to host a fundraising gala event aimed at bringing together corporate organisations, sports stakeholders, and football enthusiasts.
The gala is expected to serve as an additional platform for raising funds to support the successful hosting of the tournament.
“Our intention is to organise a high-quality competition that matches international standards while ensuring that the winners receive attractive cash prizes,” he added. As part of efforts to increase competitiveness, Vuai revealed that the federation intends to significantly improve prize money for the tournament.
The eventual winner is expected to walk away with between Sh150 million and Sh200 million, a move designed to motivate teams and elevate the level of competition.
He also disclosed that the exact date and venue for the fundraising gala will be announced after consultations with Tanzania Securities Limited, in collaboration with Citadel Tanzania Limited, who are working closely with ZFF in organising the event.
Although full details of the gala are yet to be officially released, it has been reported that one of the key auction items will be a jersey signed by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi.
The item is expected to generate significant interest and attract competitive bids from attendees and supporters.
Yanga enter the tournament as defending champions after winning the previous edition, and expectations are high that football fans will be treated to an exciting week of high-quality and competitive matches throughout the Union Cup.
