Tanzanian football veterans from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar have joined forces to represent the country at the upcoming East African Veterans Championship, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 26 to 29, 2026.
The tournament will bring together veteran football teams from six participating sides: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania Mainland, Zanzibar, Burundi and South Sudan. Tanzania's participation is also expected to provide an opportunity to promote the country's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking during the teams' send-off ceremony, National Sports Council (BMT) Sports Officer Petro Chelula reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting sports development through the provision of accessible sporting facilities for people of different ages and backgrounds.
Chelula emphasized that sports contribute not only to physical fitness but also to economic development and social cohesion. He noted that veterans' competitions provide health benefits while allowing former players to inspire younger generations involved in sports.
Veterans Promote National Unity Through Football
Veterans Tanzania Chairman Faza Lusozi described the championship as an important platform for former footballers to remain active in the sport while promoting Tanzania's international sporting profile ahead of AFCON 2027.
Lusozi explained that the delegation would also use the visit to familiarise itself with sporting facilities in Kenya that are expected to host matches during the continental tournament.
Tanzania Mainland will enter the competition as the defending champion. Lusozi expressed confidence that the team would perform well while maintaining cooperation and unity between veterans from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
He added that the tournament forms part of broader efforts to recognise older people following the International Day of Older Persons, observed annually on October 1.
Lusozi also commended HelpAge Tanzania for organising the championship, noting that the event recognises the valuable contribution older people have made to sports and society.
He welcomed the joint participation of veterans from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, describing their collaboration as a positive demonstration of national unity.
The chairman further stressed that the delegation would proudly represent Tanzania in Nairobi while using the opportunity to highlight the country's preparations for AFCON 2027. He noted that both the Union Government and the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government have important roles to play in ensuring successful preparations for the tournament.
Experienced Former Players Lead the Delegation
The Tanzanian delegation includes several experienced former footballers, among them former national team captain Omar Zimbwe and former international player Abdallah Kibadeni.
Zanzibar Old Star Chairman Salum Bausi said the championship would strengthen relationships among former footballers and recognise their contribution to the development of football in Tanzania.
Bausi praised the leadership of Lusozi and Zanzibar's veterans for promoting cooperation between the two groups. He emphasised that the teams would compete in Kenya as one Tanzanian delegation.
He also acknowledged the contributions of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi towards maintaining peace and stability, improving access to sporting facilities and supporting major football events, including AFCON.
Defending the Championship Title
Former national team player and coach Abdallah Kibadeni said Tanzania Mainland's main objective would be to retain the championship title.
Kibadeni acknowledged that the competition would be challenging, particularly with strong teams expected from the participating countries and Zanzibar.
He said the squad had been training in preparation for the tournament and remained determined to build on its previous success.
The East African Veterans Championship is expected to provide an opportunity for former footballers to showcase their skills, strengthen regional sporting relationships and promote the continued involvement of older people in physical activities.
For Tanzania, the competition will also serve as a platform to demonstrate national unity and reinforce preparations for hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.