CRDB Bank dishes out Sh3.7 billion to sponsor Federation Cup

Dar es Salaam. CRDB Bank has announced to sponsor the Tanzania Federation Cup at Sh 3.7 billion.

The sponsorship is for three years, according to the contract signed yesterday by the Managing Director of CRDB Bank, Abdulmajid Nsekela, and the president of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Wallace Karia.

The competition, formerly known as the Azam Sports Federation Cup, is now branded the CRDB Bank Federation Cup.

Nsekela said CRDB Bank will provide $100,000 (Sh255 million) to TFF to run the remaining matches of this season involving 16 teams.

He further said their bank will dish out Sh800 million for the 2024/2025 season, followed by Sh1 billion for the 2025/2026 season, and concluding with Sh1.2 billion for the 2026/2027 season.

"The funds we will provide include prizes for the winner, the best player of the match, the best player of the competition’s round, the best goal of the match, the best goal of the season, and the best team of the season," said Nsekela. He explained that CRDB Bank is a major stakeholder in sports in the country and understands the passion Tanzanians have for sports.

“I believe that sports are pillars for building cooperation, solidarity, and bringing people together to contribute to societal development,” he said.

Nsekela also praised Karia's leadership for the significant achievements in football development in the country.

“So far, we have seen Taifa Stars qualifying twice for the African Cup of Nations (Afcon). Also, the U-17 national team (Serengeti Boys) made it twice, and the national women's U-17 team (Serengeti Girls) managed to qualify for the World Cup,” he said.

According to Nsekela, Karia’s leadership has also witnessed the Tanzania Mainland Premier League becoming among the top 10 on the continent.

“Everyone is aware that Tanzania is the only country with two teams playing in the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League, and based on last week's results, both our teams still have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals. These achievements are not to be underestimated," said Nsekela. He also mentioned other successes, such as the increase in the number of local players being sold abroad, especially in major leagues, including those in Europe.

For his part, TFF president Wallace Karia thanked CRDB Bank for supporting them in football development, saying it is a great relief to see this major financial institution in the country giving back to the people it serves. 

"Football is a youth sport that brings people of all ages together. With this sponsorship, I believe CRDB Bank is not only giving back to the community, but also contributing to bringing happiness to families because this is a sport enjoyed by everyone from home, in the neighbourhoods, to our stadiums," said Karia.