Tanzania to benefit from Chelsea’s partnership

Dar es Salaam. Tourism earnings through sports in Tanzania are expected to increase in the near future, thanks to new initiatives taken by the government and the management of Chelsea Football Club from England.

Recently, two officials of the club, namely Carly Telford, the commercial manager, and Barnes Hempel, the Head of Global Sales, traveled from London to Tanzania, where they met President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, and the Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, to discuss the development of football and tourism.

Speaking yesterday, the Chelsea coordinator in Tanzania, Mohammed Reza Saboor, said President Mwinyi was impressed with the visit and was ready to support the development of soccer and tourism in the Isles.

Saboor added that in the Mainland, Minister Ndumbaro heard the presentation from club officials and also expressed interest in inviting them for further discussions. The coordinator emphasized the need for significant support to develop football, particularly for youth, in Tanzania.

"Chelsea officials have shown interest in supporting youth sports talent so that they can play in major football clubs abroad," he said, noting that Tanzania has talented football players who lack exposure.

He mentioned ongoing discussions between the government and Chelsea officials to explore more areas for support.

It is anticipated that the English football club will establish academies in the mainland and Zanzibar.

Chelsea, being a prominent football club with more than 500 million fans worldwide, will contribute to improving Tanzania's economy through the partnership.

Saboor said that Tanzania will experience an influx of tourists, especially Chelsea fans, leading to an increase in foreign exchange earnings.

Additionally, their visit to Tanzania will contribute to the construction of more hotels, increased food demand, and the creation of employment opportunities.