Former Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o and ex-Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor have expressed plans to visit Tanzania to meet Yanga forward Clement Mzize, following his recent recognition for the Best Goal of the 2024/2025 season in Rabat, Morocco.
The announcement was made on Thursday, November 21, by Gerson Msigwa, Secretary General of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, who also serves as the Government Spokesperson.
Msigwa had just returned from Morocco, where he received the award on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Msigwa revealed that both Eto’o and Adebayor were deeply impressed by Mzize’s performance and wanted to personally congratulate him for becoming the first Tanzanian to win this prestigious award.
“Upon hearing that Mzize had been named the winner, I was overjoyed. After I returned, Samuel Eto’o reached out, saying that when he comes to Tanzania, he wants to meet Mzize. Adebayor expressed the same wish—to visit, meet him, and speak with him,” Msigwa said.
He added that Mzize’s victory is remarkable, as he outshone many top players across Africa, marking a historic milestone for Tanzanian football.
Msigwa also commended President Samia for receiving a CAF award recognizing her contributions to sports development in Tanzania.
“The award was presented to me by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. It is encouraging to see Tanzania gaining recognition on the global stage,” he said.
He further extended best wishes to Tanzanian clubs competing internationally: Simba and Yanga in the CAF Champions League, and Azam and Singida Black Stars in the CAF Confederation Cup, expressing hope that at least one team reaches the finals.