Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) striker Clement Mzize is among three standout Tanzanian athletes shortlisted for the prestigious National Sports Council (NSC) Best Sports Personality of the Year 2025 award, setting up a compelling contest against celebrated long-distance runner Alphonce Simbu and professional boxer Salmin Khamis.
The much-anticipated awards ceremony is scheduled for May 9 at the Super Dome, Masaki, in Dar es Salaam, where the country’s top sporting talents will be recognised for their achievements over the past year.
Mzize earns his nomination after an impressive season with Young Africans S.C., where his attacking prowess and consistency in front of goal have made him one of the most exciting young footballers in the country. His inclusion in the top category highlights football’s continued influence in Tanzania’s sporting landscape.
However, he faces stiff competition from Simbu, one of Tanzania’s most accomplished athletes on the global stage, known for his strong performances in international marathons, and Khamis, who has been making waves in professional boxing with notable victories that have elevated Tanzania’s profile in the sport.
The Best Sports Personality (Female) category is equally competitive, featuring Stumai Abdallah (football), Magdalena Shauri (athletics), and Merciana Kizenge (basketball), all of whom have excelled in their respective disciplines.
In the team categories, the Best National Team (Men) award will be contested by Tanzania national football team, the U-19 cricket team, and the Tanzania Amateur Boxing team. On the women’s side, Tanzania women's national football team, the national basketball team, and the wheelchair tennis team are nominated.
Individual excellence will also be recognised in officiating, where the Best Referee (Male) category includes Ahmed Arajiga (football), Shaaban Mahobonya (basketball), and Jeremia Keema (swimming). For women, Tatu Malogo (football) and Dariso Mwidadi (basketball) are in contention.
Coaching honours feature top tacticians across disciplines. In the women’s category, Esther Chabruma (football) and Mariamu Kiwelo (basketball) are nominated, while the men’s shortlist includes Mohamed Mbwana (basketball), Anthony Mwingereza (athletics), and Samwel Kapungu (amateur boxing).
The future of Tanzanian sport is also highlighted through youth categories. The Best Youth Player (Boys) award will be contested by Luqman Mbalasalu (football), Raphael Michael (basketball), and Raymond Francis (cricket). In the girls’ category, Esther Maseke (football), Rose Katamboy (basketball), and Jenifer Kimaro (cricket) are nominated.
