Dar es Salaam. CRDB Bank Foundation has injected TZS 400 million into the 13th edition of the Imbeju Ndondo Cup 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots football while expanding economic opportunities for young people.
Of the total package, more than TZS 100 million has been allocated as prize money for teams, players, and fans, reflecting the growing commercial and developmental value of the tournament.
Announcing the sponsorship, CRDB Bank Foundation Managing Director Tully Esther Mwambapa said the initiative is designed to reward excellence while linking sport with financial empowerment.
She said the champions will walk away with TZS 30 million, while the runners-up will receive TZS 20 million. Additional rewards will be given to teams based on their performance at different stages of the competition, with details to be released by organisers.
Individual brilliance will also be highly rewarded. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will earn TZS 3 million, while the top scorer, best defender, and best goalkeeper will each receive TZS 1 million.
In every match, the Man of the Match will be awarded TZS 100,000. The same amount will also be given to the most outstanding supporters’ group, as part of efforts to recognise the role of fans in building the tournament’s atmosphere.
Mwambapa said all winnings will be deposited directly into beneficiaries’ Imbeju accounts, reinforcing the “Jiongeze” (Improve Yourself) philosophy that encourages saving, discipline, and investment.
She added that beyond the pitch, the programme will equip young players with financial literacy training, entrepreneurship skills, and knowledge of investment opportunities, aimed at helping them turn sporting talent into sustainable livelihoods.
Tournament coordinator Yahaya Mohamed Mkazuzu said the competition has continued to serve as a key platform for identifying football talent in Tanzania, with several players progressing to higher-level clubs after being discovered in previous editions.
He cited players such as Idd Selemani Nado, Kelvin Sabato, and Mashaka Pobga as examples of talents who have risen through the tournament system, saying this underscores its growing importance in the national football development pipeline.
Mkazuzu thanked CRDB Bank Foundation for its continued support, noting that the 13th season is expected to be more competitive and impactful for both players and communities.
Head of Public Relations and Events at Clouds Media Group, Shafii Dauda, said the tournament has also created economic opportunities for small traders and vendors who benefit during match days, making it a catalyst for local business growth.
He added that the 2026 edition aligns with preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, helping to build excitement and strengthen grassroots football structures ahead of the continental event.
Dauda commended CRDB Bank Foundation for investing in youth-focused programmes that combine sports development with financial empowerment.
Meanwhile, Ramadhan Shauritanga, Chairman of Competitions at the Dar es Salaam Regional Football Association, assured stakeholders of strict adherence to rules and regulations to ensure fairness, discipline, and transparency throughout the competition.
With increased funding, structured rewards, and a strong focus on financial education, the 2026 Imbeju Ndondo Cup is expected to further cement its position as one of Tanzania’s leading grassroots football platforms, offering young people both sporting glory and a pathway to economic independence.
