One Tanzanite Football Academy marks 1st year with achievements

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s sports sector continues to thrive, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the government and stakeholders who have created an enabling environment for growth.

This progress has inspired the establishment of numerous talent development centres aimed at nurturing young athletes and preparing them for future success.

Among these initiatives, the One Tanzanite Football Academy stands out as a beacon of hope and excellence.

Marking its first anniversary, the academy has already achieved remarkable milestones in its mission of nurturing young football talent and shaping the next generation of champions.

Registered under the National Sports Council (NSC. 13713), One Tanzanite Football Academy has made a significant impact on the nation’s football landscape.

Managing partner Agapit Manday said the academy is committed to empowering players from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from less privileged communities.

In its first year, the academy enrolled 95 young football players, with an impressive 95 percent coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Generous sponsorships have enabled these players to receive comprehensive support, including training facilities, transportation, medical care, and refreshments during sessions.

This inclusive approach ensures that financial barriers do not hinder their aspirations.

Tailored training programmes for all levels

One Tanzanite provide opportunities for talented individuals including those facing financial difficulties, preparing them to become future players capable of serving the nation with pride and excellence.

These children rely on the academy for comprehensive support, which includes covering their transportation costs, providing jerseys, and offering refreshments.

This holistic approach ensures that all enrolled students can fully participate and benefit from the academy’s programmes without the burden of additional expenses. The academy provides four structured training sessions weekly, catering to different age groups: U-10, U-13, U-15, and U-17.

This tailored approach ensures that players receive age-appropriate training, enhancing their technical, tactical, and sportsmanship skills. Qualified coaches with extensive experience oversee these sessions, laying a solid foundation for the academy’s success.

Their dedication has been instrumental in developing players who are ready to compete at the highest levels.

Achievements

One Tanzanite Football Academy’s achievements in its inaugural year highlight its unwavering commitment to excellence.

Football Camp

In July 2024, the academy organised an intensive football camp led by two Spanish coaches with experience at FC Barcelona’s youth academy.

This camp provided players with advanced insights into professional football techniques, inspiring them to aim higher in their careers.

Chipkizi Cup participation

In December 2024, the academy’s teams competed in the prestigious Chipkizi Cup, one of East Africa’s premier youth tournaments.

The U-17 team reached the quarter-finals, while the U-15 team progressed to the semi-finals, showcasing their competitiveness at the regional level.

International pathways for success

One Tanzanite Football Academy has opened international doors for four players, enabling them to join football academies in Europe and West Africa. This milestone underscores our commitment to create champions who can compete on the global stage.

The academy has successfully facilitated opportunities for five players to join football academies in Europe and West Africa.

Notable among them is Juma Mashaka, who is now at Grass Runners FC in Nigeria, and Elijah Greenton, Patrick Greenton, and Avner Aaron, currently at Nastic Sports Academy in Barcelona, Spain. Also in the list is Brian Kingazi who is also in Barcelona.

The achievements highlight the academy’s dedication to creating pathways for young players to succeed on the global stage.

Looking ahead: 2025 goals

Looking to the future, One Tanzanite Football Academy has set its sights on establishing a dedicated football pitch in 2025. This facility will enhance training sessions and provide a permanent home for the academy’s teams.

Manday has called upon well-wishers and sponsors to support this vision, offering naming and branding rights for the pitch as a token of appreciation.

Acknowledgment

The academy’s success is the result of a collective effort supported by various stakeholders.

One Tanzanite Football Academy extends heartfelt gratitude to President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for her unwavering support of sports development in Tanzania.

It also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of partners and sponsors, including the Tanzania Football Federation, the National Sports Council, Asas Group of Companies, CRDB Bank and Azania Bank.

Also on the list are Airtel Tanzania, Kijitonyama Veterans Sports Club, the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, and the Institute of Social Work.

Manday said their efforts have transformed the dreams of young football players into reality.

Sustained commitment to talent development

One Tanzanite Football Academy remains steadfast in its mission of nurturing talent and creating champions. It invites stakeholders, supporters, and well-wishers to join its journey of inspiring young football players to achieve their dreams.

The academy’s impact in just one year is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and vision.

With continued support, it aims to further contribute to football development in Tanzania, shaping the next generation of stars who will represent the nation on global stages.

First anniversary celebration

To commemorate its first anniversary, One Tanzanite Football Academy will host a special event.

The celebration will feature friendly matches, medical checkups, and a showcase of the academy’s accomplishments.

This event will also serve as an opportunity to outline future plans and engage with supporters who share the vision of empowering young footballers.

With its achievements so far and ambitious goals for the future, One Tanzanite Football Academy is poised to become a cornerstone of football development in Tanzania.

Its commitment to empower young athletes, create global opportunities, and foster a culture of excellence ensures a bright future for football in the country.