The Premier League Trophy has arrived in Tanzania for the first time ever ahead of the first stop on the three-country East African tour brought to fans by Guinness, the official beer of the Premier League.
On the 9th and 10th of October, the trophy will bring the global prestige of the Premier League together with Tanzania's vibrant football culture. The celebrations include an exclusive Trophy Experience at The Super Dome and a mass-match viewing (Guinness Matchday) at the Kinondoni Municipal Council, KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, on 10 October.
For Guinness, the trophy’s arrival is about more than bringing one of football’s most iconic pieces of silverware to Tanzania fans. It is about creating a moment where the global game meets the passion, energy and culture of Tanzanian football.
Managing Director at Serengeti Breweries Limited, Dr. Obinna Anyalebechi said: “Football is more than a game in Tanzania. It is a passion that brings millions of people together.
"We are incredibly proud that Guinness is bringing the English Premier League Trophy to Tanzania for the first time, creating an unforgettable experience for fans, and bringing them closer to the game they love. It’s also a celebration of the incredible passion, energy and creativity that Tanzanians bring to football.
"This is one of those extraordinary moments that only Guinness can make happen, and we cannot wait to celebrate it with football lovers here in Tanzania.”
PASSIONATE FANS
The visit tapped into Tanzania's powerful football culture, with passionate Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga) supporters forming part of the wider excitement. The two clubs command some of the country's biggest football communities, while many of their supporters also closely follow Premier League clubs.
This intersection of local and global football fandom gives the trophy's Tanzania visit its own character, bringing a global football icon into a country where fans passionately live both their local and international football identities.
Innovation and Marketing Director at Serengeti Breweries Limited Henry Esiaba said: “Some of the most passionate and definitely the most extra football fans in Africa are right here in Tanzania. The love for the game is absolutely infectious; you have to experience it to understand it.
"So, what better way to celebrate that fandom than for Guinness to do something extra? That’s why Dar es Salaam is the first stop of the English Premier League Trophy East African tour. Guinness is doing this for the fans, for football, and for everyone who believes in going the extra mile.
"On the 9th and 10th October at KMC Stadium, we’re bringing that passion to life with Guinness Matchday, which is an incredible match viewing experience with the EPL trophy, where we come together to celebrate the game we love.”
For Tanzania's football community, the moment also provides a connection between the country's growing football culture and the wider global game.
A representative from the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Cornell Barnabas, who is the CEO of the Tanzania Premier League Board said: "The arrival of the Premier League Trophy reflects the strong connection between our football community and the global game.
"Tanzanian fans engage with football at every level, from our local clubs to the Premier League and international football. This experience brings those passions together and gives our fans a new way to connect with the global game."
The significance of the moment extends beyond football, bringing together sports, entertainment, culture and young people while giving Tanzania an opportunity to showcase its football passion and identity.
Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Hon. Paul Makonda commented: "Sports brings people together, creates opportunities and gives countries a platform to showcase their culture and identity.
"The arrival of the Premier League Trophy is not only a moment for football fans but also a chance to celebrate the wider role sports plays in our society."
After Tanzania, the Trophy travels to Uganda from 11 to 13 October before continuing to Kenya.