Violence raises growing safety concerns in Zanzibar football

Zanzibar. Recurring incidents of violence at football grounds in Zanzibar, including pitch invasions, attacks on referees, fights between players and abandoned matches, are raising concerns about safety in the sport.

A Mwananchi investigation conducted in June 2026 found that Mao A and Mao B grounds in Unguja have been the scene of several such incidents over the past year, some of which resulted in disciplinary action.