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President Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued to support the growth of sports in Tanzania after awarding Sh50 million to the national Under-20 girls’ football team, the Serengeti Girls, following their qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The announcement was made on May 20, 2026, in Dodoma during a special ceremony attended by former England international and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand.
The Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports said the financial reward was intended as both appreciation and motivation for the team’s achievement in promoting Tanzania on the global stage through football.
He said the success of the Serengeti Girls reflects the steady progress of the sports sector in the country, noting that the government continues to invest in youth development to strengthen national teams and create opportunities for players to compete at top international levels.
He added that the goal is to ensure Tanzania produces talented athletes capable of playing in major global leagues while also strengthening national team performance.
The Minister further stated that the government, in collaboration with the Tanzania Football Federation and the National Sports Council, will continue to support and fund preparations for national teams ahead of major international competitions.
He emphasized that proper preparation remains key to achieving consistent success in global tournaments.
He also noted that the visit of Rio Ferdinand has opened new opportunities for promoting Tanzania internationally through sports, tourism, and investment in youth talent.
Ferdinand is expected to tour key national developments, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), as well as major tourist attractions such as Serengeti and Arusha, in efforts to showcase Tanzania’s development and natural beauty to the world.
According to the Minister, such high-profile visits play an important role in strengthening Tanzania’s global visibility and attracting more interest in the country’s sports and tourism sectors.
He said this aligns with broader government efforts to position Tanzania as a competitive destination for both investment and international sporting engagement.
Speaking during the event, Rio Ferdinand congratulated the Serengeti Girls for qualifying for the World Cup, saying Tanzania has strong football talent that deserves greater international exposure and support.
He noted that investing in young players is essential in building a lasting legacy and creating meaningful opportunities for future generations.
He added that meaningful change in sport requires consistent support and long-term vision, emphasizing that platforms such as this help inspire young athletes to reach higher levels of performance.
