The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that bonus funds promised by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to Tanzania’s youth national football teams are paid directly to the intended beneficiaries players and their coaches amid growing public concern over delays in the disbursement process.
The bonuses were announced following the teams’ historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup. The national women’s under-20 team, Tanzanite Queens, was promised Sh50 million, while the national under-17 boys’ team, Serengeti Boys, was awarded a bonus package worth Sh500 million.
The clarification comes after recent social media discussions in which some players claimed they had not yet received the promised payments, prompting questions about the status of the funds.
Addressing the matter, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and Chief Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said the government had identified attempts by individuals who were not part of the official process to interfere and create confusion surrounding the distribution of the bonuses.
He stressed that authorities would closely oversee the process to ensure that every eligible player and coach receives their rightful share, warning that the government would not allow any form of misuse or diversion of the funds.
“These funds were awarded by President Samia specifically to players and their coaches in recognition of their achievements. They are not intended for anyone else. The government will ensure that every rightful beneficiary receives what is due to them,” Mr Msigwa said.
He explained that the payment process for Tanzanite Queens had reached an advanced stage and that the delays experienced were largely linked to technical challenges within the payment system.
According to Mr Msigwa, the outstanding payments are expected to be deposited into the accounts of all Tanzanite Queens players and coaches by the beginning of next week.
He assured the public that no money would be lost or redirected to unauthorized individuals, emphasizing that the government remains committed to transparency and accountability in the handling of the bonuses.
For Serengeti Boys, Mr Msigwa said final administrative procedures were being completed and that the funds would be released immediately after the process is concluded.
He noted that the same payment mechanism had previously been used successfully to distribute bonuses to Taifa Stars, expressing confidence that the current process would also be completed smoothly.
The government’s intervention is expected to calm concerns among players, families and football supporters, while reinforcing President Samia’s commitment to rewarding sporting excellence and encouraging young athletes who continue to raise Tanzania’s profile on the international stage.
