Prominent figures from Tanzania’s football leadership have entered the political arena, declaring their intentions to vie for parliamentary seats in the October 2025 General Election under the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Yanga Sports Club President Eng. Hersi Said, the club’s Vice President Arafat Haji, and Azam FC’s Head of Communications Hasheem Ibwe officially picked up nomination forms on Friday, June 28, in their respective constituencies.
Eng. Hersi is seeking the CCM nomination for the Kigamboni parliamentary seat in Dar es Salaam, while Arafat Haji has declared interest in contesting the Shaurimoyo Constituency in Zanzibar. Hasheem Ibwe is eyeing the Mwanga seat in Kilimanjaro Region.
Speaking after collecting his nomination forms, Ibwe called on young people across the country to take ownership of national development by actively participating in leadership.
“This is a call to fellow youth the time is now. We must rise, take our place, and become part of the transformation we desire to see in our communities,” he said.
“Development doesn’t come by waiting. It is built by people with vision, hard work, and a spirit of selflessness. No group is as powerful, knowledgeable, and motivated as the youth,” he added.
Ibwe emphasized the importance of young people shaping their own future, noting that leadership is not reserved for the elderly alone.
“We have the strength, the ability, and the responsibility to fully participate in nation-building, including leadership. If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” he posed.
He officially announced his intention to seek CCM’s endorsement to represent Mwanga Constituency the region and district he hails from.
“Let’s unite, rise, and build a new Tanzania one founded on meaningful development that begins with empowering young people,” he said.
The move by the three football executives all widely known in sports and media circles is expected to attract attention both within and beyond their party as the 2025 general election campaign season picks up momentum.
Their political ambitions signal a growing trend of young professionals and public figures stepping into national leadership roles.
