By Our Correspondent, Zanzibar
Kundemba FC have been crowned champions of the eighth edition of the PBZ Yamle Yamle Cup after defeating Ubinadam Kazi FC 1–0 in the final at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Abdallah Iddi Pina scored the decisive goal to seal the title for Kundemba, who emerged from a tournament that brought together 36 teams – 24 from Unguja and 12 from Pemba.
The victory earned Kundemba FC a TSh20 million prize, while runners-up Ubinadam Kazi FC received TSh10 million.
Kundemba’s celebrations were further boosted by a TSh10 million cash award from the team’s patron, Kikwajuni Member of Parliament Hamad Yussuf Masauni, who also serves as Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment).
Masauni said he would continue supporting the club as part of efforts to create opportunities for young people to turn their sporting talent into livelihoods.
“Football is one of the professions in which people can earn substantial incomes. That is why the Government has created an enabling environment for young people to develop their talents in safe and supportive surroundings,” Mr. Masauni said.
He pledged to stand behind the team and help establish Kundemba FC as a platform through which young players could develop their skills and pursue professional careers.
The Minister cited Azam FC and Tanzania international midfielder Feisal Salum ‘Fei Toto’ as an example of a home-grown player who has built a lucrative career through talent, hard work and discipline.
For a business magazine, the tournament also highlights the growing economic potential of football at community level, where sponsorship, prize money and structured youth development can provide a pathway into professional sport and related industries.
Kundemba FC secretary Masoud Bajuni thanked Masauni for his continued support, particularly for young people, and pledged that the club’s leadership would strengthen its management to ensure sustained progress.
“Today you have fulfilled the promise you made, and on behalf of my colleagues, I promise that we will manage the team with all our strength and avoid conflicts that could derail us and ultimately cause us to lose sight of our goal,” Bajuni said.
Team captain Hassan Banzu attributed the club’s success to the strong relationship between the players and management, saying their unity had helped them overcome the challenges of reaching the final.
He said lifting the trophy was a significant achievement given the difficulty of the competition and credited the team’s collective effort for turning its campaign into a championship-winning run. The eighth edition of the PBZ Yamle Yamle Cup underlined the growing role of competitive football in providing young Zanzibaris with opportunities to showcase their talent, earn income and build professional careers beyond the pitch.
