TANZANIA Football Federation (TFF) has signed a three-and-a-half year deal- worth 3.2bn/- after value-added tax with CRDB Bank to sponsor the Federation Cup, replacing Azam Media Limited.

The bank, as a result, is becoming the first main sponsor of the Federation Cup that previously witnessed Azam Media Limited owning the tournament's naming rights- given the firm was broadcasting all games. The company is now slated to remain as a broadcasting sponsor.

The agreement was signed by TFF president Wallace Kairia and CRDB Chief Executive Officer Abdulmajid Nsekela at the bank’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam.

The Federation Cup, which will now be known as CRBD Federation Cup, attracts more than 100 teams across the Premier League, Championship League, First League, and Regional Champions League, making it the most decorated competition in the country.

CRDB bank will begin the institution’s sponsorship from the Round of 16 of the showdown that is set to continue this month.

The competition- which usually starts the season at the district level and later moves to the national level as scheduled by TFF- will receive a new impetus in financial bonuses to participating squads.

Speaking during the signing of the contract TFF president Wallace Karia said the federation assures all sponsors will have their mileage with all agreements reached set to be adhered to.

"I would like to assure all our sponsors that the federation will adhere to contract agreements for the benefit of our football development through the CRBD Federation Cup,” he noted.

The TFF boss added: “It is to our greatest belief that participating clubs will value the Federation Cup and add value to the showdown and sponsors."

"The winner of the CRDB Federation Cup will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup, I look forward to making sure we develop our football and clubs through (participation in) continental football."

"Money signed will be directed to the clubs to accommodate the following areas- transport, accommodation, and having the federation running day-to-day activities," Karia disclosed.

Karia also asked Nsekela to notify CRBD executives in Babati, Manyara to inspect Tanzanite Stadium- where the final of the Federation Cup will take place- to clarify areas where the institution’s billboards should be located for advertisement.

The first of the CRDB Federation Cup semi-finals will take place at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza but the second’s venue is not yet revealed- with doors open for any region ready to host it after meeting all criteria issued by TFF.