By Victoria Godfrey
The Tanzania Amputee Football Federation (TAFF) is gearing up to launch a fundraising campaign to support the national amputee football team, Tembo Warriors, as they prepare to compete in the upcoming Council for East and Central Africa Amputee Football Federation (CECAAF) Championship. The tournament will take place from September 8 to 14 in Bujumbura, Burundi.
TAFF’s Technical Director, Shabani Msangi, told The Respondent Online that the federation is in the final stages of setting up a payment system to collect donations. The details will be officially announced within this week.
“This fundraising effort aims to mobilize resources to ensure the team can afford a residential training camp and cover all travel and participation expenses. Competing in this regional tournament is a critical milestone for Tanzania as we aim to qualify for continental and ultimately global competitions,” said Mr. Msangi.
To maximize outreach, TAFF plans to conduct a media tour to raise awareness and encourage contributions from the public, private sector, and other stakeholders.
The Tembo Warriors squad is scheduled to begin their external training camp on August 15 while awaiting sufficient funds to move into a full residential camp before departing for Burundi.
The team is made up of talented players from both local and international amputee football clubs. Notable players include Ally Juma, Frank Ngairo, Khalifan Kiyanga, Salehe Mwipi, Shedrack Herbron, Abdulakreem Khalifa (Ubungo), Bashra Alombile, Sajat Mjupa, Habibu Likoike, Emmanuel Mrefu, Salmin Michael, Tito Mwanjalila, Rojas Vincent, and Kassim Mbarouk from Sauti Para Sports.
Additional players include Pascal Festo, Erick Peter, Julius Ole Keika from Black Eagle Academy (Arusha), Ally Cheche, Winston Alex from Pugu Para Academy, Hassan Vuai from Zanzibar, and Richard Swai and Mudrick Mohamed, who plays professionally in Turkey.
The fundraising campaign highlights the importance of supporting para-sports in Tanzania, a sector that empowers people with disabilities and showcases their incredible talents on national and international stages.
As the Tembo Warriors prepare to represent Tanzania in this prestigious regional competition, TAFF is calling on all Tanzanians, businesses, and development partners to step forward and contribute generously towards the team’s success.