NBC pledges greater investment in player development, congratulates Yanga
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) First Vice President Athuman Nyamlani (right) and National Bank of Commerce (NBC) Managing Director Theobald Sabi hold the Tanzania Mainland Premier League trophy with Young Africans captain Bakari Mwamnyeto, shortly after the team were crowned champions for the fourth consecutive season at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday. PHOTO| MICHAEL MATEMANGA
What you need to know:
- This was revealed by NBC Bank’s Managing Director, Theobald Sabi, during the official trophy presentation to Mainland Tanzania champions Young Africans (Yanga) at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam last Wednesday.
Dar es Salaam. The Mainland Tanzania Premier League sponsor, National Bank of Commerce (NBC), has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to investing in Tanzanian football—particularly in player development.
This was revealed by NBC Bank’s Managing Director, Theobald Sabi, during the official trophy presentation to Mainland Tanzania champions Young Africans (Yanga) at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam last Wednesday.
Yanga clinched their 31st title in history after a 2-0 victory over traditional rivals Simba, collecting 82 points in a match that drew thousands of passionate fans and concluded an intense and competitive league season.
Sabi said the bank is proud to be part of football development in the country. In addition to sponsoring the Premier League, NBC also sponsors the Championship division and the youth league.
He emphasized the bank’s belief in supporting the growth of players both on and off the pitch.
He added that NBC plans to scale up its investment in player development initiatives, which include structured youth programs, enhanced training support, and player-focused financial and health services.
“As we conclude another successful season, we recognize that football’s future lies in nurturing talent early and supporting players throughout their careers,” Sabi said.
“NBC is proud to not only sponsor the league but to take a more active role in building the foundation for Tanzanian football.”
Among the bank’s upcoming priorities are creating opportunities for young and emerging players through academies and grassroots programs, offering players access to quality health insurance, and introducing specialized banking services tailored for athletes.
Sabi also underlined the bank’s mission to economically empower players by equipping them with financial management skills.
“Our goal is to help players build sustainable futures through access to credit, savings plans, and investment tools that can support them beyond their playing years,” he added.
In addition to development efforts, NBC enhanced fan experiences during the season finale.
The bank arranged transport for select clients to attend the match, set up giant screens in key public spaces across Dar es Salaam and other regions for live viewing, and offered on-site banking services at the stadium to connect directly with fans.
Sabi praised the competitiveness of the 2024/2025 league season, noting that the rising quality of play and fan engagement is a testament to the league’s steady progress.
“We’ve witnessed a thrilling season where clubs are fighting harder and smarter. This is a clear indication that investment in sports pays off,” he said.
As Yanga celebrated their triumph, NBC looked ahead, committed not just to another year of sponsorship, but to playing an active role in shaping a stronger, more sustainable football ecosystem in Tanzania—starting with the players.
