By Business Insider Correspondent, Unguja
The Masauni & Seif Cup football tournament has officially kicked off in Zanzibar, with the government reaffirming its commitment to investing in sports infrastructure and youth talent development.
The Zanzibar Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Zanzibar, Ali Abdulgulam Hussein, made the remarks on 25 February 2026 while officiating at the launch of the tournament at Mnazi Mmoja Stadium in Unguja. The opening fixture saw Kundemba FC held to a goalless draw by Vuga FC in a tightly contested encounter.
Deputy Minister Hussein said the government would continue investing in the construction and rehabilitation of sports facilities to create more opportunities for young people to develop their talents.
“We will continue to strengthen sports infrastructure, including the building and upgrading of stadiums, while exploring various opportunities to nurture youth talent,” he said.
He noted that the Government is currently in the process of renovating Matumbaku Stadium to enable it to host a variety of sporting activities, similar to other upgraded venues across the islands.
The Deputy Minister also commended leaders from Kikwajuni Constituency for expanding the tournament into a district-level competition, now involving teams from different areas as part of broader efforts to empower young people through sport.
For his part, the Member of Parliament for Kikwajuni Constituency and Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office, Hamad Yussuf Masauni, said the constituency has been a major beneficiary of government investment in sports infrastructure, particularly in stadium development.
He highlighted Kikwajuni’s long-standing sporting heritage, noting that the area has produced numerous athletes who are currently playing in various leagues across Tanzania.
The tournament, he added, has been held consistently for 15 years – a testament to the area’s deep-rooted sports culture.
Masauni further revealed that construction of a modern multi-purpose sports complex is under way in the constituency.
The facility will cater for netball, basketball and football, and is expected to become operational by January next year.
Meanwhile, the Youth Special Seats Member of Parliament for Pemba Zone, Zainab Abdallah, praised the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, for prioritising investment in the sports sector.
She said the sustained investment has encouraged young people to view sport not only as recreation but also as a viable source of employment. Kikwajuni, she noted, continues to set an example due to strong collaboration among leaders, which has kept young people actively engaged year after year.
A total of 20 teams are competing in this season’s Masauni & Seif Cup, including KISC FC, Ujama, Urus, Misyuu, Aston Villa, Malindi, Mlandege, Mladu, Vila Coast, Muungano, Medson, Black Fighter, Kwahani, Kilimani, Mafunzo, Real Zanzibar, Rio and Galilaya. With strong political backing and growing community participation, this year’s tournament is expected to further cement its role as a key platform for identifying and nurturing football talent in Zanzibar.
