THE government has extended its gratitude to NMB Bank for its generous contribution of 30m/- in support of the senior national football team, Taifa Stars.

Taifa Stars are currently preparing for their African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 quarterfinal match against Morocco, scheduled for Friday in Dar es Salaam.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, presided over the funds' handover ceremony in the city yesterday.

Msigwa heaped praise on NMB Bank for its timely support and called on other stakeholders, companies, organizations, public and private institutions to follow NMB’s example in backing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to promote sports in the country.

The President has pledged a 10m/- reward, also known as 'Goli la Mama', for each goal scored by Taifa Stars during the tournament.

Msigwa received the symbolic cheque from NMB Bank at the event, which was attended by Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC), Neema Msitha.

Out of the 30m/- donated, 20m/- will be used to purchase 10,000 tickets for fans to attend the coming match and cheer on the team, while the remaining 10m/- will serve as a motivational bonus for the players.

“NMB has demonstrated true patriotism and support for our national team. Please, convey the government’s appreciation to NMB CEO, Ms. Ruth Zaipuna,” Msigwa said.

“The ministry will recognize her as one of the country’s outstanding sports contributors,” he disclosed.

He added: “We deeply value this contribution and are committed to strengthening our partnership with NMB.”

Msigwa stressed: “This is a national cause, and as Tanzanians, we must rally behind institutions like NMB that support our sports development.”

The Permanent Secretary also urged other stakeholders to contribute to the team’s success, emphasizing that winning the championship would be a victory for all Tanzanians.

“This is a historic opportunity. Tanzania has never reached such heights in CHAN, and now is the time to show our support,” he stressed.

Earlier, NMB’s Head of Sales and Branch Network, Donatus Richard, said the bank was inspired by Taifa Stars’ achievements and felt compelled to support the team’s efforts.

“We are here to show our support for Taifa Stars. Our contribution is divided into two parts: 20m/- for fan tickets and 10m/- as a motivational package for the players,” Richard said.

He expressed hope that the donation would boost the players’ morale and performance, helping them progress to the latter stages of the tournament.

“As our CHAN slogan says, ‘Litakuja Nyumbani’— we believe the trophy will come home,” he added.

Richard assured NMB’s continued collaboration with the ministry, NSC, and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to ensure the sustained growth of football in the country.