SportPesa Tanzania targets youth development with nationwide football kit donation
Each kit includes a jersey, shorts, socks, a drawstring bag and a water bottle, with goalkeepers also receiving gloves.
Tanzania.- SportPesa Tanzania has provided training kits to 512 young football players across five regions as part of its Game Changers programme. The initiative targets players aged 18 and above who compete at district and regional levels, often with limited resources. The company worked with local football associations to select beneficiaries in Tanga, Morogoro, Mwanza, Geita and Singida.
Each kit includes a jersey, shorts, socks, a drawstring bag and a water bottle, with goalkeepers also receiving gloves. In Tanga, teams such as Fair Play FC, Machinjioni FC, Kong Halaard and Makorora Stars benefited, alongside Morogoro sides Elimu FC, Super Tiger, Jamaica FC and Mayai FC. The third phase of the programme extended support to Geita-based teams Golden Ridge FC, Geita Kwanza FC, Jamhuri FC and Golden City FC.
Doreen Kwayu, Head of Operations at SportPesa Tanzania, explained the motivation behind the initiative. She said: “Football has always been a dream that seemed out of reach for many of the players awarded. The majority started playing at the district level and, with time, qualified for the regional level, often covering long distances and training with minimal resources.”
She added that the programme aims to build discipline, teamwork and dedication.
Players also shared their experiences. David Leonard, a 19-year-old captain from Geita, said the support had changed his outlook. He noted: “When I wore the Game Changers jersey for the first time, I felt like a real player. I want to train harder now and show people that Geita has great footballers.”
Mashika William, an 18-year-old from Mwanza’s Igoma FC, described past challenges, saying: “We used to play on a rough field full of stones and lacked basic training tools. Receiving this support motivates us. I want to work harder and make Mwanza proud.”
Tracy Humplick, Head of Marketing and Communications at SportPesa Tanzania, highlighted the programme’s goals. She said: “Every region we visit reinforces why Game Changers exists. These youths carry dreams bigger than their surroundings. We want to open doors and show that talent from every corner of Tanzania deserves to grow.”
