Harith Chunga shines bright on international football stage

Dar es Salaam. Harith Chunga is rapidly emerging as one of Tanzania’s most promising young footballers, with the potential to raise the national flag high on the international scene.

Currently playing for Bulls Football Academy, the teenage talent has been making waves thanks to his skill, dedication, and growing international exposure.

Harith began his football journey at the tender age of four, transforming a childhood passion into a lifelong ambition.

 “Football has always been part of my life,” he says.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else.” His early commitment to the game quickly became evident.

Before joining Bulls Football Academy in 2024, Harith spent three formative years (2021 to January 2024) at Magnet Youth Sports Academy. 

These years laid a strong technical foundation, shaping him into a dependable and versatile player admired by coaches across both academies.

Harith’s talents have already taken him across international borders. One of his most notable moments came in July 2023, when he competed in the renowned Gothia Cup in Sweden—considered one of the world’s most prestigious youth football tournaments.

Harith and his team performed impressively, finishing third overall—an outstanding achievement that highlighted his potential on the global stage. 

At home, Harith has featured prominently in Tanzania’s popular Chipkizi Cup. In 2023, he represented Magnet Youth Sports Academy, and in 2024, he played for Bulls Football Academy.

On both occasions, his performances helped guide his teams to the quarterfinals, providing him with valuable match experience against strong youth sides. Beyond tournaments, Harith has been part of elite training camps.

In December 2022, he participated in a high-level development camp organized by Spanish football club Celta Vigo in South Africa.

He followed this up with another three-day training session in July 2023 at the JMK Grounds in Dar es Salaam.

These camps provided intensive tactical and technical training, giving him a taste of professional-level preparation.

In February 2024, Harith represented Tanzania at the Phygital Games of the Future held in Kazan, Russia.

His performances on that international stage were eye-catching and did not go unnoticed. As a result, he received an invitation from Red Star Belgrade—one of Serbia’s top football clubs—to attend a week-long training camp in June 2024.

This opportunity marked a major milestone in his young career and significantly broadened his exposure to European football culture.

 In addition to his academy and international achievements, Harith has represented his school—Aga Khan Mzizima Education Services, Tanzania—in various inter-school tournaments.

Notably, he starred in the JustFit Inter-Schools competitions, playing for the U-13 team in 2023 and the U-15 in 2024.

 On both occasions, Harith was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), cementing his status as a standout performer.

The backbone of Harith’s football journey

Harith Chunga is the firstborn of Chunga Misonge and Hannan Adan, who have played a pivotal role in supporting both his football and academic pursuits.

 Their unwavering support also extends to Harith’s younger brother, Abdillah Chunga, aged eight, who already plays for the Bulls Football Academy’s Under-9 team.

“As parents, we believe in nurturing our children’s dreams alongside their education,” says Hannan.

“We’ve always loved sports, even though we didn’t get the chance to play much ourselves because our parents stressed academics.”

She adds, “We’re proud of what we achieved through education, but with our children, we support whatever they are passionate about.  Both Harith and Abdillah love football—and that’s enough reason for us to stand by them every step of the way.”