DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, is set to improve its preparations for international competitions following the donation of a new Yutong bus by the National Bank of Commerce (NBC), valued at over 500 million shillings. This contribution comes as Tanzania gears up for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which it will co-host with Kenya and Uganda from June 19 to July 17.
The bus was handed over at Gymkhana Grounds during a ceremony attended by key figures in Tanzania football, including NBC’s Director of Retail Banking, Elibariki Masuke, TFF President Wallace Karia, and Taifa Stars Head Coach Miguel Gamondi, among others.
Reliable transport is crucial for the national team, facilitating better planning and convenience for players and staff amid busy schedules. Masuke stated NBC’s latest support reflects its ongoing commitment to the development of football in Tanzania and is part of a wider investment of 32.6 billion shillings over five years, covering the NBC Premier League, Championship, and Youth League.
Masuke emphasised the importance of domestic competitions in identifying and nurturing young talent. He highlighted the positive impact of previous NBC-sponsored players who have progressed to the national team, showcasing the benefits of investing in local football.
The new bus enables the Taifa Stars to manage training and competition logistics more effectively, enhancing conditions for recovery and rest between activities. However, Karia noted that more buses are needed to assist the national women’s team and various youth teams, indicating the ongoing transportation challenges faced by the TFF.
TFF’s Director of National Teams, Almasi Kasongo, reiterated the bus’s timely arrival as more national teams pursue international qualifications. He thanked NBC for its contribution while calling on more stakeholders to support transportation and other areas crucial for enhancing the teams’ competitiveness.
As AFCON 2027 approaches, Tanzania’s preparations are shifting into a higher gear. NBC’s donation addresses an essential logistical requirement and signifies a broader partnership aimed at promoting football from grassroots to the national level.
