Sudanese Football Club Set to Compete in Tanzanian Premier League
Amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Tanzania has granted permission for the Sudanese football club Al Hilal to participate in their premier league, offering a glimmer of sports diplomacy in troubled times.
Al Hilal will join the Tanzania Mainland Premier League from August onwards, albeit under special conditions. Notably, they will be ineligible to win the league title, and their matches will be classified as friendlies rather than official fixtures, as reported by AFP news agency.
Clifford Mario Ndimbo, spokesman for the Tanzanian Football Federation, emphasized the positive impact of Al Hilal’s inclusion on the country’s football scene. He highlighted the club’s stature and reputation, expressing confidence that their participation would inject excitement into the league.
Moreover, Ndimbo pointed out that the presence of Sudanese referees accompanying Al Hilal would provide an opportunity for Tanzanian clubs to benefit from their expertise. This exchange, he believes, could contribute to the development and promotion of the local league.
The decision to allow Al Hilal to compete in the Tanzanian league comes amidst a backdrop of sporting activities being suspended in Sudan due to the protracted conflict, which has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement since April 2023.
By welcoming Al Hilal into their league, Tanzania not only showcases solidarity with Sudanese sports amidst adversity but also opens avenues for collaboration and mutual learning within the realm of football.
