THE NBC Premier League, Tanzania's top football championship, has experienced a significant boost in competitiveness and player morale thanks to a series of prizes introduced by the league’s primary sponsor, the National Bank of Commerce (NBC).

Stakeholders across the board - including fans, football officials, and players - have praised the positive impact these prizes have had on the league. In addition to the traditional awards for the best player and best coach of the month, new prizes for top performers in each match have spurred a greater drive for excellence among players.

"The main intention is to ensure that these prizes bring the intended benefits, which is to increase the morale of the players and coaches, thereby enhancing competition," explained Almasi Kasongo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tanzania Mainland Premier League Board.

In an interview with local media over the weekend, Kasongo emphasized that the Tanzania Football Federation's (TFF) Prizes Committee is diligent in selecting truly deserving winners. The aim is to ensure that the awards fuel healthy competition across the league.

The bank’s officials, who are present at league matches to award the prizes, expressed satisfaction with the elevated level of competition in the league, attributing this rise directly to the introduction of these rewards.

During the recent 'Mzizima Derby' between Azam FC and Simba SC at the New Amaan Complex Stadium in Zanzibar, NBC's Zanzibar Branch Manager, Abdul Karim Mkila, lauded the response from players and fans alike. He noted that the bank is looking to further enhance its involvement, including developing more specific banking services for sports stakeholders in the country.

“It is a pleasure and an honour for us to see that players and coaches who receive these prizes enjoy and take pride in them," Mkila said as he presented Simba SC midfielder Jean Charles Ahoua with a trophy and a one million Tanzanian shillings award for being named the Best Player of the Month for August.

The ceremony also saw Lameck Nyambaya, Chairperson of the Dar es Salaam Regional Football Association (DRFA), present Simba SC’s head coach Fadlu Davids with a trophy and a one million Tanzanian shillings award for winning the Best Coach of the Month accolade.

The enthusiasm for the awards has been apparent on social media, with players like Simba SC goalkeeper Moussa Camara, named 'Man of the Match' in the Mzizima Derby, sharing their excitement over receiving the prizes.

As the NBC Premier League continues to draw larger audiences across Tanzania, Mkila indicated that the bank is committed to further innovation, which will not only boost the league’s appeal but also enhance financial services for those involved in Tanzanian football.