President Samia awards Sh30 million to Serengeti Girls
Minister of Culture, Arts, and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro (second right), presents Sh30 million to Serengeti Girls' captain, Jamila Rajab (left), following the team's UNAF Championship victory in Tunisia. Also pictured is TFF President Wallace Karia (far right).
What you need to know:
- In the UNAF Championship, the Serengeti Girls began with a 4-1 win over Egypt, defeated Morocco 5-3, and ended with a 0-0 draw against hosts Tunisia in their final match.
Dar es Salaam. The President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has awarded the national women’s under-17 team, Serengeti Girls, Sh30 million following their victory in the UNAF Championship in Tunisia last week.
The funds were presented by the Minister of Culture, Arts, and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, shortly after the team’s delegation returned to Tanzania.
Speaking during the occasion, Ndumbaro said that President Samia was impressed by the team’s achievement, which has helped promote the country's name abroad.
Ndumbaro also stressed that the government is at the forefront of developing the sports sector in the country and encouraged other athletes to do their best in international competitions.
This is a prize for winning the event; it is not the typical award that President Samia grants to teams for scoring goals in international competitions, also known as Goli la Mama,” Ndumbaro explained.
“We urge other athletes to put forth their best efforts in every international competition, and the government will provide its full support.”
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President Wallace Karia expressed gratitude to President Samia for the award to the Serengeti Girls, believing that it will motivate the team in their quest to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“This is a great gesture, but our goal is to return to the U-17 Women’s World Cup. With these preparations and your efforts, along with those of the coaches, we are confident we will succeed.
As a federation, we continue to ensure that we create a conducive environment for our preparations. Our primary objective is to participate in any available competition to gain experience.
When we reach the qualifiers, we will be better prepared, as playing in more matches and tournaments makes you stronger," said Karia.
Karia also noted that the continued success of the national women's teams brings hope and confidence for excelling in African and global women's football.
“This is the second time in less than two months that a major team has won. Now, this team has also triumphed, while your juniors were in China and emerged victorious,” Karia added.
In the UNAF Championship, the Serengeti Girls began with a 4-1 win over Egypt, defeated Morocco 5-3, and ended with a 0-0 draw against hosts Tunisia in their final match.
