The stage is set for an electrifying display of women’s football as eight teams prepare to compete in the 2025 Martin Cup, kicking off tomorrow, August 14, at JMK Park in Dar es Salaam.
The four-day tournament will run until August 17, showcasing some of the country’s most promising young talent.
Masala Queens will face Ilala Queens in the opening fixture, a match expected to ignite the tournament and set the competitive tone for the days ahead.
Tournament organiser Esther Mpanda said the event’s primary goal is to give young girls a platform to demonstrate their skills and build unity through sport.
“This year we’ve included men’s teams for exhibition matches to boost excitement. Next year, we plan to have both male and female youth teams competing,” she revealed.
Mpanda praised the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) for its support in ensuring all participating teams are formally recognised.
“TFF’s involvement has been crucial. These young players deserve the chance to show their abilities on a respected platform,” she said, noting that participation has grown compared to last year.
Coordinator Mbwana Mbaraka added that while the focus remains on empowering young girls, the curtain-raiser matches will include boys’ youth teams and male players with disabilities.
“We want this to be more than a competition—it’s about inclusion, motivation, and community spirit,” he said.
Prizes will include a trophy and medals for the champions, medals for the runners-up, and special awards for the most disciplined team, the best player, the best journalist covering the tournament, and the pageant winner of the event.
This year’s line-up features Masala Princess, Ilala Queens, Mbagala United, Mbagala Queens, Kinondoni Queens, Eleven Star, Sayari Women, and Young Stars Queens.
As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on JMK Park, where four days of passion, skill, and competition promise to raise the profile of women’s football in Tanzania.