How SportPesa’s Partnership with Yanga SC is Reshaping Community Football in Tanzania
Young African SC (Yanga SC Club) secured their fourth consecutive Tanzanian Premier League title in the 2024/25 season, an impressive win that earned them a TZS 262.5 million bonus from their primary sponsor, SportPesa.
The partnership between SportPesa and Yanga SC, established in 2017, has grown beyond winning trophies; it embodies a shared commitment to community development and long-term growth. Recognized as one of Tanzania’s most culturally significant and community-rooted clubs, Yanga benefits from SportPesa’s sponsorship, which fuels its ambitions both on and off the pitch.
In August 2025, SportPesa renewed a three-year sponsorship deal valued at TZS 21.7 billion. This investment goes beyond financial support, aiming to strengthen technical capacity, enhance coaching standards, and maintain vital infrastructure, ensuring Yanga remains competitive at the highest levels of continental football.
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SportPesa’s commitment to grassroots development is exemplified through the Game Changers Initiative, which recently distributed over 500 full kits to young players across eight regions in Tanzania. Working closely with Regional Football Associations, this initiative ensures resources reach those who need them most, helping to elevate local standards and foster community pride. Additionally, the SportPesa, powered Shabiki Cup provides a crucial platform for emerging talent, acting as a bridge to professional football by attracting scouts and offering local players a rare opportunity to showcase their skills on a larger stage.
Doreen Kwayu, Head of Operations at SportPesa Tanzania, emphasizes the company’s holistic approach: “Supporting every level of football, from elite teams to grassroots, is a huge part of what we do at SportPesa.”
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The success of the Yanga partnership reflects SportPesa’s broader regional commitment to using sport as a catalyst for opportunity and progress. Similar initiatives across East and South Africa include:
- A decade-long partnership with Gor Mahia FC in Kenya, along with significant backing for rugby through the Kenya Sevens (Shujaa) and the Tujiamini 2.0 community project.
- Expansion into university sports in South Africa, where SportPesa sponsors the FNB Varsity Cup to support rugby talent and academic balance.
Built on the shared belief that football can transform lives, the collaboration between SportPesa and Yanga SC combines elite financial backing with grassroots support. Together, they are not just winning leagues, they are shaping the future of Tanzanian football. Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season and beyond, Yanga SC advances with a partner dedicated to unlocking talent and fostering sustainable growth in Tanzanian sport.
