The iconic English Premier League (EPL) trophy has officially touched down in Dar es Salaam, marking a historic milestone as it arrives in Tanzania for the very first time. The prestigious silverware’s arrival serves as the thrilling kickoff for a broader three-country East African tour facilitated by Guinness, the official beer partner of the English Premier League.
The high-profile two-day programme has galvanized local sports enthusiasts, offering a rare, up-close encounter with one of the most recognizable and coveted prizes in world club football.
The itinerary for the trophy’s landmark visit features a blend of exclusive access and community-driven events designed to unite fans through sport, entertainment, and local culture. Activities kicked off with an exclusive viewing experience hosted at The Super Dome, giving invited guests and superfans a rare chance to photograph and interact with the authentic trophy.
The festivities culminate in a massive public celebration dubbed Guinness Matchday, scheduled at the Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) Stadium. The mass viewing event brings thousands of supporters together under one roof to watch Premier League fixtures live, fostering a communal atmosphere that mirrors the vibrant energy of matchdays in the UK while staying deeply rooted in Tanzanian culture.
Stakeholders and corporate leaders have lauded the decision to select Tanzania as the inaugural stop for the regional tour, pointing to the nation’s unmatched football culture.
Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) Managing Director Dr. Obinna Anyalebechi emphasized the profound cultural significance of the sport during the welcoming remarks.
“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,” Dr. Anyalebechi stated.
Echoing this sentiment, SBL Innovation and Marketing Director Henry Esiaba noted that local fans bring an extraordinary level of vigor and devotion to international football.
“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,” Esiaba remarked.
Representatives from the domestic football administration also underscored how the tour bridges the gap between grassroots support and international fandom. Cornell Barnabas, Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Premier League Board and representative of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), noted that the event validates the deep-seated football culture embedded across the country.
“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,” Barnabas noted.
Government officials have emphasized that the trophy tour transcends mere athletic entertainment, serving as a powerful catalyst for unity and cultural exchange.
Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Paul Makonda highlighted that hosting the trophy underlines Tanzania’s rising profile on the international events landscape. He noted that major sporting milestones provide essential platforms to bring diverse groups of people together, stimulate youth engagement, and proudly project the nation’s identity to a global audience.
Following the conclusion of its action-packed schedule in Dar es Salaam, the Premier League trophy will continue its East African journey, heading next to Uganda from October 11 to 13 before concluding its regional tour in Kenya.
