Government commends NMB for Sh30m donation to Stars
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa (centre), receives a symbolic cheque worth Sh 30mn from NMB Bank’s Head of Sales and Branch Network, Donatus Richard (right), as a contribution to Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, participating in CHAN. On the left is the Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC), Neema Msitha. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda – the three co-hosts of CHAN 2024 – have all advanced to the knockout stage, a historic feat that has electrified the region
Dar es Salaam. The Government of Tanzania has extended its gratitude and congratulations to NMB Bank for its generous contribution of Sh30m in support of the national football team, Taifa Stars.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, praised NMB for its timely support and called on other stakeholders, companies, organizations, and both public and private institutions to follow NMB’s example in backing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to promote sports in the country.
The President has pledged a Sh1m “Goli la Mama” reward for each goal scored by Taifa Stars during the tournament.
Msigwa received the symbolic cheque from NMB Bank in the presence of Neema Msitha, Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC).
Of the Sh30m donated, Sh20m will be used to purchase 10,000 tickets for fans to attend the match and cheer on the team, while the remaining Sh10m will serve as a motivational bonus for the players.
“NMB has demonstrated true patriotism and support for our national team. Please convey the Government’s appreciation to NMB CEO Ruth Zaipuna. The Ministry will recognize her as one of the country’s outstanding sports contributors,” said Msigwa.
Earlier, NMB’s Head of Sales and Branch Network, Donatus Richard, said the bank was inspired by Taifa Stars’ achievements and felt compelled to support the team’s efforts and national pride. “We are here to show our support for Taifa Stars. Our contribution is divided into two parts: Sh20 million for fan tickets and Sh10m as a motivational package for the players,” said Richard.
He expressed hope that the donation would boost the players’ morale and performance, helping them progress through the tournament. “As our CHAN slogan says, ‘Litakuja Nyumbani’—we believe the trophy will come home,” he added.
Richard concluded by affirming NMB’s continued collaboration with the Ministry, NSC and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to ensure the sustained growth of football in the country.
