By A Correspondent, Zanzibar
The Tanzanian government has pledged to significantly upgrade the Union League next season, including increasing prize money and strengthening the tournament’s commercial profile, as authorities seek to transform the competition into one of East Africa’s premier football events.
The commitment was announced by the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office, Hon. Eng. Hamad Yussuf Masauni, during an awards ceremony held in Unguja, Zanzibar, on May 24, 2026, following the conclusion of the 2026 Union League.
Simba SC were crowned champions after defeating Young Africans SC 1-0 in the final played at the Amaan Complex Stadium, capping off a tournament that brought together leading clubs from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Masauni said the government intends to elevate the Union League into a high-profile regional sporting brand capable of attracting stronger commercial partnerships, fan engagement and wider international attention.
“The goal is to make this competition one of the best football leagues in East Africa and give it a unique appeal for football supporters,” he said.
He noted that sport remains one of the strongest platforms for national unity, social integration and youth engagement, adding that football in particular has the power to bring Tanzanians together beyond political, geographical or cultural differences.
“The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar have continued taking deliberate measures to strengthen the Union through constitutional principles, historical ties, national cohesion and shared development,” Mr. Masauni said.
“These efforts are aimed at ensuring Tanzanians remain united and cooperative across economic, social and political spheres.”
The minister said the Vice President’s Office, which is responsible for Union affairs, had decided to become directly involved in coordinating the Union League in collaboration with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar in order to strengthen its organisation and long-term sustainability.
According to Masauni, the new approach is expected to improve preparations, enhance sponsorship structures and increase rewards for participating clubs and eventual winners.
Sports analysts say the move reflects a growing recognition by policymakers that football has evolved beyond entertainment into a significant economic sector capable of generating employment, tourism revenues, media rights income and private investment opportunities.
Across Africa, football tournaments are increasingly being positioned as commercial products attracting sponsorships from banks, telecommunications firms, betting companies and consumer brands.
The Union League, which had remained inactive for several years before its recent revival, is also viewed as part of wider efforts to strengthen sporting cooperation between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar while creating additional competitive platforms for clubs.
Zanzibar’s Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Dr Riziki Pembe Juma, said the government initially approached the revival of the competition with caution but was encouraged by the strong response from football stakeholders and supporters.
“At first, as a ministry, we had some concerns, but we ended the tournament with great satisfaction after seeing the strong public support and cooperation from stakeholders,” she said.
“The successful completion of this season now allows us to immediately begin preparations for next year’s competition.”
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF), Hussein Ahmada, praised both governments for using sport as a tool for national unity and social integration.
Photos courtesy of the Vice President’s Office.
He said football supporters had welcomed the return of the Union League, viewing it as a sign that sports development is increasingly receiving the attention it deserves.
This year’s tournament featured eight clubs, with Azam FC and Singida Black Stars joining Simba and Yanga from Mainland Tanzania, while Zanzibar was represented by Mlandege FC, KVZ FC, Mafunzo FC and Muembe Makumbi FC. With government backing increasing and organisers promising larger rewards and stronger branding, the competition is expected to play a bigger role in Tanzania’s growing sports economy and regional football visibility.
