Tanzania has received a major boost in international sports recognition after the appointment of Shaban Msangi to officiate at the FIFA Disability Football World Cup, set to take place in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, from November 13 to 22 this year.
Msangi, who also serves as the Technical Director of the Tanzania Association for Football for the Physically Impaired (TAFF), has been selected among a small group of elite referees entrusted with managing matches at the prestigious global competition.
His appointment reflects his growing reputation, consistency, and high-level expertise in disability football officiating.
He is one of only three referees chosen for the tournament, which will feature national teams from across the world competing at the highest level of disability football.
The event is expected to promote inclusion, strengthen international cooperation in adaptive sports, and showcase the talent of athletes with disabilities on a global stage.
This will mark Msangi’s second appearance at a FIFA Disability Football World Cup. His first participation came in 2022 during the finals held in Turkey, where he was selected by the World Refereeing Committee as one of Africa’s representatives.
His performance during that tournament earned him further international recognition and established him as one of the continent’s most trusted officials in disability football.
The latest appointment is widely seen as a strong endorsement of his professionalism, discipline, and continued contribution to the development of the sport.
It also highlights Tanzania’s rising profile in international disability sports administration and officiating.
Beyond his international assignments, Msangi remains actively involved in developing disability football in Tanzania through his role at TAFF, where he contributes to technical development, training programs, and efforts to expand participation in inclusive football across the country.
Sports stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a proud achievement for Tanzania and a source of inspiration for upcoming referees and sports officials aspiring to reach the international level.
Msangi is expected to join other selected officials in advanced preparatory courses ahead of the tournament as final arrangements continue.
His participation further strengthens Tanzania’s visibility in global football and underscores the country’s commitment to promoting inclusive sports development.
