Mtibwa Sugar, Mbeya City urged to prepare for NBC league challenges

Dar es Salaam. Two newly promoted teams to the Mainland Tanzania Premier League—Mtibwa Sugar and Mbeya City FC—have been urged to prepare diligently for the challenges of the upcoming top-tier season.

The call was made by Elibariki Masuke, Director of Retail Banking at the National Bank of Commerce (NBC), during the official crowning ceremony held at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam. Both teams earned promotion after strong performances in the NBC Championship.

Masuke congratulated all participants of the NBC Championship but extended special praise to Mtibwa Sugar and Mbeya City for securing promotion. He also emphasized the need for thorough preparation as the Premier League presents a far tougher competition.

“We extend our warmest congratulations to all participants of the NBC Championship, but especially to Mtibwa Sugar and Mbeya City FC for this pivotal achievement,” said Masuke.

“As you transition to the NBC Premier League, it’s crucial that you come prepared—particularly in terms of skill and strategy—to meet the high standards of the top flight.”

Masuke further highlighted NBC’s continued investment in Tanzanian football, noting that the bank has committed Sh32 billion across the three major leagues in the country.

This financial backing, he said, is intended not only to boost on-field performance but also to create economic opportunities.

 “This ongoing support is designed to enhance club performance and promote job creation. So far, over 7,000 direct jobs have been created through our involvement in football,” Masuke explained.

“We aim to go even further, offering tailored financial services such as vehicle loans for clubs, health insurance for players and staff, and financial literacy education for all involved.”

Prior to the crowning ceremony, Mtibwa Sugar and Mbeya City played a friendly match that ended in a 2-2 draw, showcasing their competitiveness ahead of the upcoming season.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Steven Mguto, the Second Vice President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and Chairman of the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB).

Mguto applauded NBC’s steadfast support for football development, saying it has elevated the competitiveness and professionalism of the game.

“The Championship League has emerged as a premier competition—not only because of the skills displayed by players but also due to improved operations.

In the past, many teams struggled due to lack of resources. With NBC’s sponsorship, we’ve seen stability, structure, and the ability to attract top talent locally and internationally,” Mguto said.

He also extended congratulations to the two promoted teams for their resilience and achievements.

Reflecting on the success, Mtibwa Sugar captain Oscar Masai expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, particularly NBC, for creating a supportive environment that enabled their promotion.

“We are thankful for the support we’ve received. It has been instrumental in helping us reach this level. As we enter the Premier League, we promise to be fully prepared and make our fans proud,” Masai concluded.