Yanga, Simba Secure Cash Boost From Tanzania Football Federation

Jul 04, 2008 (The Citizen/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- SCYL | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- In a surprise move, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has dished out Sh10 million to be shared equally between Mainland top flight duo of Young Africans and Simba Sports Club.

The cash is intended to boost their preparations in this year's edition of the East and Central African Club Championship, the Kagame Cup.

The championship kicks off on January 12 in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro centres.

TFF secretary general Fredrick Mwakalebela said the donation will help to drum up support for the home sides in the 12-team championship.

He said the money was handed to club officials, urging the teams to put up a splendid show in the regional tournament.

Mwakalebela said TFF wishes that one of the teams clinch the regional title by utilizing home ground advantage.

Yanga and Simba share ten titles between them with the latter posting a record seven since the championships was inaugurated in 1974.

Simba were the inaugural winners while Yanga took over from their rivals the following year in a thrilling final played at the Zanzibar Amaan Stadium.

Mwakalebela said TFF has shown the way in terms of support and the rival teams only need to play their part in the title hunt.

He acknowledged that TFF is still in need of more funds to facilitate the smooth running of the two-week event.

Despite sponsorship by the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, Tanzania Breweries Ltd and Rwanda President Paul Kagame, TFF has a Sh200 million shortfall to cover budget estimates for the tournament, he said.

TFF president Leodegar Tenga strongly urged the two Dar es Salaam teams to perform well to satisfy their fans and uphold the country's prospects of soccer success.

Fixtures show that Simba take on Kenya's Tusker on the opening clash at the National Stadium, a match to be preceded by Burundi's Vital'O versus Benadir of Somalia.

Miembeni FC of Zanzibar open their title campaign against Awassa of Ethiopia the following day at 14.00 hours, while Young Africans take on defending champions APR at an evening tie on the same venue.

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