Tanzanian football is reaping significant financial rewards after all four of its continental representatives — Simba SC, Young Africans SC (Yanga), Azam FC, and Singida Black Stars — successfully advanced to the group stages of the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) and CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC).
This milestone follows their strong performances in the second preliminary rounds of both competitions, confirming Tanzania’s rising dominance in East African football. All four clubs finished in the top four positions in last season’s NBC Premier League, earning them qualification to the continental stage.
Tanzania’s CAF Rise: Four Teams, Two Competitions
Due to Tanzania’s impressive coefficient ranking accumulated over the past few seasons — largely thanks to consistent runs by Simba and Yanga in CAF tournaments — the country has retained the right to field two teams in both inter-club competitions.
- CAF Champions League: Yanga SC (reigning domestic champions) and Simba SC
- CAF Confederation Cup: Azam FC and Singida Black Stars
This achievement places Tanzania among the few African nations with four active representatives in CAF inter-club competitions — a testament to the league’s improving competitiveness, club management, and investment levels.
Billions in CAF Prize Money
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), clubs that qualify for the group stages receive substantial financial rewards to support their campaigns. The four Tanzanian teams collectively pocketed USD 2.2 million (approx. TSh 5.47 billion / KSh 283.8 million) in qualification bonuses.
The breakdown is as follows:
- Yanga SC: USD 700,000 (≈ TSh 1.73 billion / KSh 90.3 million)
- Simba SC: USD 700,000 (≈ TSh 1.73 billion / KSh 90.3 million)
- Azam FC: USD 400,000 (≈ TSh 991.2 million / KSh 51.6 million)
- Singida Black Stars: USD 400,000 (≈ TSh 991.2 million / KSh 51.6 million)
These funds mark a major boost for Tanzanian football, offering clubs financial muscle to invest in infrastructure, player acquisitions, and staff development.
More Riches Ahead
With billions already earned, even greater rewards await should the teams advance beyond the group stages. CAF’s new prize structure for the 2025/26 season incentivizes progression at every knockout level:
CAF Champions League (CAFCL):
- Quarter-finals: USD 900,000 (≈ TSh 2.2 billion / KSh 116.1 million)
- Semi-finals: USD 1.2 million (≈ TSh 2.97 billion / KSh 154.8 million)
- Finalists: USD 2 million (≈ TSh 4.96 billion / KSh 258 million)
- Champions: USD 4 million (≈ TSh 9.9 billion / KSh 516 million)
CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC):
- Quarter-finals: USD 550,000 (≈ TSh 1.36 billion / KSh 71 million)
- Semi-finals: USD 750,000 (≈ TSh 1.86 billion / KSh 96.75 million)
- Finalists: USD 1 million (≈ TSh 2.48 billion / KSh 129 million)
- Champions: USD 2 million (≈ TSh 4.96 billion / KSh 258 million)
Impact on Tanzanian Football
The qualification of four teams reflects Tanzania’s growing football ecosystem, driven by investment from club owners, improved broadcasting deals, and strong fan engagement. Both Simba SC and Yanga SC have become household names across Africa due to their regular appearances in CAF competitions, massive followings, and modern stadium infrastructure such as the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Clubs like Azam FC, with their state-of-the-art Azam Complex, and the ambitious Singida Black Stars, are further diversifying Tanzania’s representation beyond the traditional Dar es Salaam giants.
Experts believe this success will not only attract better sponsorship deals and enhance club branding but also strengthen the Tanzanian Premier League’s commercial value. Additionally, these financial gains may encourage more clubs to professionalize their management and invest in youth development.
Conclusion
With four clubs in the group stages and billions in prize money secured, Tanzania’s football continues to rise as a continental powerhouse. Should Simba, Yanga, Azam, and Singida progress further in their respective tournaments, the financial windfall could reshape the country’s football landscape for years to come — bridging the gap between Tanzanian clubs and traditional African giants from Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.
