The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has announced its commitment to enhancing youth football across the country by increasing opportunities for young players to participate in competitive matches during the upcoming NBC U20 Premier League season.
Speaking after the conclusion of this year’s NBC U20 Premier League final where Azam FC emerged as champions, with Fountain Gate finishing second and Kagera Sugar taking third TFF Secretary General Wilfred Kidau emphasized the importance of consistent match experience for youth development.
“Our goal is to ensure young players get more playing time. This will provide a vital platform for them to showcase their talents, which is essential for the growth of football in Tanzania,” said Kidau.
He highlighted Azam FC’s success as a clear example of the impact of exposure and development, noting that the team’s foundation included four players who had participated in the AFCON U20 tournament.
“This championship win by Azam shows the value of nurturing talent. Those players were given opportunities early, and now they’re delivering results,” he added.
Looking ahead, Kidau revealed that the league format will be modified to include two groups instead of four, from the preliminary to the final stages.
This adjustment is designed to maximize the number of matches and give players more time on the pitch.
“We’ve seen great progress this season. The level of competition has improved significantly, and we’ve discovered several promising young talents,” he said.
Kidau also praised the rise of new contenders, noting a shift from the traditional dominance of teams from Dar es Salaam.
“For a long time, Dar es Salaam clubs led the way, but this season, new entrants like Fountain Gate and Kagera Sugar brought strong competition and reached the finals. It’s a clear sign that Premier League teams have invested more in youth development,” he concluded.